Grammy nominated pianist Douglas Riva has gained international recognition for his "profound knowledge of Spanish music" (La Vanguardia, Barcelona). No less an authority than the distinguished Spanish composer Xavier Montsalvatge has described Mr. Riva as "an exceptional pianist". His interpretations of the works of Enrique Granados (1867-1916), in particular, have earned Mr. Riva his reputation as today’s foremost exponent of Granados’ piano music. In the words of El País (Madrid) Mr. Riva is "one of the principal apostles of Granados’ music". And, according to Natalia Granados, the composer’s daughter, "Mr. Riva knows everything relating to my father to perfection."

In recognition of Mr. Riva’s credentials as an interpreter of Granados, in 1998 Naxos Records initiated a series of his recordings of Granados’ complete piano works. Vol. 10 of the series was released in February, 2008 and Mr. Riva recorded the final volume in March, 2009. Spanish critics writing in Scherzo praised Mr. Riva’s interpretation of Granados’ masterpiece as “belonging to the privileged class of the very best versions of Goyescas.” Referring to Vol. 7 of the series Scherzo also described Mr. Riva as “an absolute authority, an excellent pianist who is as poetic as Granados’ music.” London’sThe Guardian described Vol. 3 of the series as “a totally compelling performance [that] demands to be heard”. Critics consistently describe Mr. Riva’s recordings as “masterly”, “splendid” and “magnificent”, while acclaiming his “elegance” and “superb artistry”. MusicWeb International stated that the Riva series is “as illuminating and idiomatic as one could hope for” and “an essential purchase for all pianophiles.”

Granados’ long-lost masterpiece, Cant de les estrelles, a virtuoso piano concerto with organ, and three choruses rather than orchestra, received its second performance ever in New York during March, 2007 with Douglas Riva and Voices of Ascension, directed by Dennis Keene. The concert was recorded live by Naxos and the CD, Song of the Stars, 8.570533 was released in June, 2009 and hit the Billboard Classical Chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The Wall Street Journal described Cant de les estrelles as a “masterpiece” and praised the Naxos CD as “real cause for celebration. . .gorgeous in every way-from the engineering quality to the impeccable performances.” The American Record Guide commented: "Its expressive effect was breathtaking. . .
full of grace, subtlety, nuance, poetry and assurance.”

After a highly acclaimed recital at Madrid’s historic Residencia de Estudiantes, Mundoclasico.com hailed Mr. Riva as “the successor of Granados” commenting that his performance “captivated the audience to such a point that one was perfectly able to forget the pianist and listen only to the distinguished and pure serenity of the music.” In the realm of Contemporary Music Douglas Riva gave the World Premiere of Gazebo Dances by John Corigliano as well that of two works written for him by Catalan composer Xavier Turull. He gave the first United States performance of a newly discovered Scarlatti Sonata at the National Gallery of Art and in addition has recorded numerous programs for television and radio in Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Holland, and the United States. A frequent lecturer, in Spain and the United States, Mr. Riva has lectured at Harvard University, New York University, the University of California, Riverside, and for the Sociedad Española de Musicología in Madrid.

Mr. Riva began his musical education at the age of nine, studying both the piano and the flute. His professional career began at the age of sixteen as the Principal Flutist of the El Paso (Texas) Symphony Orchestra. Later, devoting himself exclusively to the piano, he continued his studies at the Juilliard School, New York University, and in Barcelona at the Academia Granados-Marshall, founded by Granados.