REVUELTAS, SILVESTRE

born Dec. 31, 1899, Santiago Papasquiaro, Mex. died Oct. 5, 1940, Mexico City Mexican composer and violinist, best known for his colourfully orchestrated music of distinctive rhythmic vitality. Revueltas studied the violin and composition in Mexico City, in Austin, Texas, and in Chicago and conducted an orchestra in Mobile, Ala., before becoming assistant conductor (192935) of the Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Revueltas suggested folk derivations in his works without quoting actual Mexican folk songs, often achieving a powerful rhythmic drive that ends fortissimo after a hammering crescendo. His major works are symphonic poems on Mexican subjects, but he also wrote chamber music, songs, and film scores.