Leo Brouwer was born on 1st March 1939 in La Habana, Cuba. He received his first musical studies from his father Juan Brouwer who was an amateur guitarist and his aunt, Caridad Mezquida. His father encouraged him to play works by his favorite composers like Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa Lobos, Enrique Granados, mostly by ear. His great-uncle was the well-known composer and pianist Ernesto Lecuona.

Brouwer began playing the guitar himself at age 13 under the tuition of Isaac Nicola who had a significant contribution to his studies. He was only 17 when he made his own professional debut. His early compositions include Prelude(1956) and Fugue (1959), both influenced by Bela Ba...