“El Amor Brujo”


Essences of the music of Manuel de Falla

In composing El amor brujo (Love, the Magician) Manuel de Falla took his inspiration from the old gypsy legends and songs collected by the flamenco singer and dancer Pastora Imperio and her mother, creating a unique distillation of the essence of Andalusian music with its various palos or styles – seguiriyas, soleares, polos, martinetes and zambras, by incorporating their spirit into his own musical language. A performance of Manuel de Falla’s music by a Baroque ensemble may at first seem rather odd, but if we bear in mind Falla’s own aesthetic intentions it should come as no surprise. Our admiration for Andalusian song, which coincides with Falla’s admiration for the newly emerging flamenco song of his day, amply justifies the idea of including a cantaora in the version presented in this recording. In an ensemble such as ours, the cantaora‘s alternately soft or heartrending voice incomparably brings to life the composer’s original intention. As we listen to the sound of the lyra, the lavta and Persian percussion, we can appreciate that it is in perfect harmony with what Falla was aiming to reflect at various points in his score.

The pieces in this recording reflect their respective composers’ admiration of tradition and a desire to draw inspiration from its uniqueness, recognizing the value of the character stamped on the musical heritage by generation upon the past – their concept of structure, their skill in thematic development and their sensibility.  Then, having steeped themselves in the lifeblood of tradition, they raise their own musical voices. In a sense, that is what Falla, Rodrigo and Tárrega set out to do and so brilliantly achieved.

Playlist

1. Escena Bestenigar ♮

Manuel de Falla – dimitrie Cantemir

2. Introducción ♮

Seguiriya Joaquín Rodrigo – Traditional

3. Pantomima ♮

Manuel de Falla

4. Chaconna del Amor Dolido ♮

M. de Falla – Gaspar Sanz – Nicola Matteis

5. Allegro del pescador ♮

J. Rodrigo

6. Pasacalle en Círculo Mágico ♮

Girolamo Kapsberger – M. de Falla

7. Koumiss y Fuego Fatuo ♮

Persian traditional – M. de Falla

8. Canarios ♮

G. Sanz

9. Danza ritual del fuego ♮

M. de Falla

10. Adagio ♮

J. Rodrigo

11. Xácara del juego de Amor ♮

Antonio de Santa Cruz – M. de Falla

12. Las campanas del amanecer ♮

M. de Falla

*Arragements and adaptations by Enrike Solinís