de Falla Station

[ritter]

This year marks the centennial of the first performances of El retablo de Maese Pedro (Master Peter's Puppet Show), first in concert form in Seville on March 23rd, 1923, then fully staged in Paris on 25th June, invitation only at the salon of the Princesse de Polignac (née Winaretta Singer), who had commissioned the work, and then on November 13th  —now for the general public— in Jean Wiéner's concert series at the Salle des Agriculteurs.

To celebrate the occasion, the prestigious Residencia de Estudiantes here in Madrid has mounted an exhibition on the work. It covers many aspects, including Falla's admiration for Cervantes (he had 30 different editions of Don Quixote in his library), correspondence with the princess, the designs made bu Manuel Ángeles Ortiz, Hernando Viñes and Hermenegildo Lanz for the première and subsequent productions, and some artwork (by e.g. Antonio Saura and Miquel Barceló) related to more modern stagings of the piece. I went this morning, and it's quite delightful and informative (I'll probably go again, as it's on until late January). I hope they publish a catalogue (it seems to be in preparation) as it would include much information on this masterpiece.

Here's some pictures:

[ChamberNut]

@ritter

I plan on revisting Atlántida very soon. Targeting tomorrow.

I remember it was about the only music from Falla that hadn't made a favourable impression on me, so I have a feeling that was due to unfamiliarity (as everything by him was new to me at that time!).

I know you were disappointed with initial reaction. 

[Christo]

because listening to the choruses with an English accent is not a very enticing prospect. 

Any idea how they sing German? Or Dutch (they do, after all it's the language of 25 million Europeans & a few million non-Europeans, and as such -- as a cultural language -- older than both English and German)?
Whereas "we" -- e.g. my own chamber choir -- sing anything from Swedish, German, Latin or French (and too often English; Dutch of course too). Ukrainian -- with the (professional) 'Ukrainian Liberty Orchestra' accompanying, as a tribute -- however, took a while (though I myself learnt very basic Russian & other Slavic languages too). 

[ritter]

@ritter

I plan on revisting Atlántida very soon. Targeting tomorrow.

I remember it was about the only music from Falla that hadn't made a favourable impression on me, so I have a feeling that was due to unfamiliarity (as everything by him was new to me at that time!).

I know you were disappointed with initial reaction. 

Glad to read this, CN! Let's see if this time around the work makes a better impression on you. I love it, flaws and all, but must admit I'm in a minority here. A highly cultured acquaintance of mine, who is now the director of one of Spain's leading music magazines, called Atlántida "un coñazo" (a colourful slang term that means "an insufferable bore") 

But the opening chords, the Càntic a Barcelona in Part 1, most of Part 2 (which is mainly by Halffter), Queen Isabella's aria and the final sections of Part 3 are IMHO, wonderful music.

I'd love to read your impressions, if you care to share them.

[ChamberNut]

@ritter

Now listening to:

Manuel de Falla

Atlántida

It is making a much more favourable impression compared to the first time I listened to this. Knowing I pretty much love every other music that Falla wrote, it isn't that much of a surprise.

[ChamberNut]

Indeed @ritter

A lot of beautiful, sublime moments in Atlántida.

I had to relisten a second time to the ultra beautiful finale La nit suprema  Ooh la la it is gorgeous.

[ChamberNut]

@ritter

I almost feel like cancelling my (Russian Symphony March Madness), but I won't. To substitute for 'Spanish Fever Month' 

[atardecer]

Recently enjoyed these two videos on the Spanish master.