important Spanish composer and conductor; b. Madrid, Jan. 16, 1905; d. there, July 5, 1989. Halffter studied composition with the famed composers MANUEL DE FALLA and ADOLFO SALAZAR. He first attracted attention with his Sinfonietta, which was included in the program of the Oxford Festival of the I.S.C.M. (International Society for Contemporary Music) in 1931.

In his music, Halffter continued the tradition of Spanish modern nationalism which was pioneered by Falla. He also completed and orchestrated Fallas unfinished scenic cantata, Atlá ntida, which was first performed at La Scala in Milan in 1962. Among his own works are Fantaisie portugaise for orchestra (Paris, 1941), and the ballets Dulcinea (1940), Cojo enamorado (1954), and Fantasía galaica (1956). He also composed a Guitar Concerto (1968) and several cantatas.

Halffter's brother Rodolfo (Escriche) (b. Madrid, Oct. 30, 1900; d. Mexico City, Oct. 14, 1987) and his nephew Cristóbal (Jiménez) (b. Madrid, March 24, 1930) were also significant composers.