Album Overview
"de Falla: A vida breve/ Dança do fogo fátuo/ Albéniz: Malaguenha/ Córdova/ Granados: Danças Nos. 1, 4, 5 e 6" is an album from 1996 that features the works of Spanish authors Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, and Enrique Granados. This collection of structures showcases the abundant musical culture of Spain and the amazing skills of these three authors. The album contains a mix of instrumentals and cooperations with different artists, providing listeners with a varied listening experience that shows the captivating essence of Spanish music.
de Falla: A vida breve
Manuel de Falla's "A vida breve" (La Vida Breve) is an opera in two acts and four scenes, written in between 1905 and 1913. The opera tells the terrible story of a bad gypsy girl named Salud who falls for a rich man named Paco, just to learn on their big day that he is already engaged to another lady. Realizing her doomed destiny, Salud passes away of a broken heart, and the music reflects the emotion and drama of the story. This album features excerpts from the opera, demonstrating the depth and appeal of de Falla's composition.
Dança do fogo fátuo
Another work by Manuel de Falla featured on the album is "Dança do fogo fátuo" (Dance of the Will-o'-the-Wisp). This piece is taken from his ballet "El Amor Brujo" (Love, the Magician). The mystical and lively structure is popular in the classical music world as a perfect example of de Falla's capability to stimulate effective emotions through his use of folkloric components and special harmoninations.
Albéniz: Malaguenha/ Córdova
Isaac Albéniz, a renowned Spanish pianist and author, is best understood for his piano works that evoke the spirit of Spain. The album showcases two of his compositions, "Malaguenha" and "Córdova". "Malaguenha" originates from his collection Recuerdos de Viaje, which equates to "Travel Memories". This piece wonderfully catches the essence of the Andalusian region, particularly the port city of Málaga. "Córdova", on the other hand, belongs to Albéniz's famous suite "Cantos de España" (Songs of Spain). It commemorates the city of Cordoba with its lush and evocative consistencies.
Granados: Danças Nos. 1, 4, 5 e 6
Enrique Granados is another popular Spanish author, and his "Danças" (Spanish Dances) include a collection of 12 piano pieces that encapsulate the charm and spirit of Spain. This album highlights four of these dances - No. 1 "Galante" (Gallant), No. 4 "Villanesca", No. 5 "Andaluza", and No. 6 "Rondalla Aragonesa" (Aragonese Dance). Each piece has its distinct character, showcasing Granados' mastery of translating the various elements of Spanish culture into his structures.
Last Thoughts
The album "de Falla: A vida breve/ Dança do fogo fátuo/ Albéniz: Malaguenha/ Córdova/ Granados: Danças Nos. 1, 4, 5 e 6" is an amazing representation of the timeless works by 3 of Spain's finest composers. It offers listeners an unforgettable journey through the sounds, rhythms, and stories of the Spanish culture. For those who value classical music and aspire to check out the depths of Spanish compositions, this album is a real treasure.
Artist: Isaac Albeniz
Isaac Albeniz, virtuoso pianist & composer of Suite Española and Iberia. Discover his unique melding of traditional Spanish & classical styles.
More about Isaac Albeniz