 In 1901, he became director of the Conservatory of Madrid, a position he held until his retirement in 1921, struggling to modernize teaching at the institution and broaden its international orientation.He died in Madrid on 2 December 1923.Bretón gained renown as a result of the success of his zarzuela "La verbena de la Paloma", although other were well-received works, included his operas "Los amantes de Teruel", based on the eponymous legend, and "La Dolores".