Yradier (Iradier), Sebastián

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Yradier [Iradier], Sebastián (b Sauciego, Álava, 1809; d Vitoria, 1865). Sp. composer and singing teacher. Taught at Madrid Cons. then went to Paris where he was singing teacher to Empress Eugénie. Also collected Creole songs in Cuba. Wrote many popular songs, which were sung by Viardot, Patti, and other celebrities, best known being La paloma (The Dove). His El Arreglito: chanson havanaise was adapted by Bizet as the Habanera in Act 1 of Carmen (1875) under mistaken impression it was a folk-song.