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The work of composer Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) ranges from late-romantic salon pieces to evocations of flamenco to stark neoclassicism. Yet his music has met with conflicting reactions, depending on the audience. In his native Spain, Falla is considered the most innovative composer of the first half of the twentieth century. Likewise, in the United States, Falla enjoyed a strong following in the concert hall. But many of his works, especially some of the "colorful" or "exotic" dances from The Three-Cornered Hat and El Amor Brujo, were taken up during the Latin music craze of the 1930s and 40s and appeared in everything from jazz and pop arrangements to MGM musicals. Similarly enigmatic are...
Drawing extensively on primary sources, this study in three parts provides a detailed biography, examines the most prominent aspects of Falla's character as they pertained to his relationships with other composers and his own music, and sheds light on his creative process as a composer through examination of many of his works with reference to original scores and correspondence, many of which are published here for the first time. A chronological photo section rounds out this offering of great significance for music teachers and students as well as those with an interest in Spanish culture.
Michael Christoforidis is widely recognized as a leading expert on one of Spain's most important composers, Manuel de Falla. This volume brings together both new chapters and revised versions of previously published work, some of which is made available here in English for the first time. The introductory chapter provides a biographical outline of the composer and characterisations of both Falla and his music during his lifetime. The sections that follow explore different facets of Falla’s mature works and musical identity. Part II traces the evolution of his flamenco-inspired Spanish style through contacts with Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky, while Part III explores the impact of post-World War I modernities on Falla’s musical nationalism. The final part reflects on aspects of Falla’s music and the politics of Spain in the 1930s and 1940s. Situating his discussion of these aspects of Falla's music within a broader context, including currents in literature and the visual arts, Christoforidis provides a distinctive and original contribution to the study of Falla as well as to the wider fields of musical modernism, exoticism, and music and politics.
Manuel de Falla's music perfectly reflected the full-blooded passion and intellectual aspirations of early 20th century Spanish culture. His personal life seemed to echo the spirit of his times and the broad range of his music. From his sensual treatment of Andalusian folk themes to the neoclassical compositions of his later years, de Falla always brought a fierce level of intensity to everything he undertook. This book explores de Falla's life in music in a highly original way. A compelling mix of intimate correspondence, original criticism, rare manuscripts and revealing photographs, it forms a biographical mosaic rich in musical detail and personal insights. A uniquely candid portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest composers. Approved by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. Ed. Gonzolo Armero and Jorge de Persia.
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