Composer

:

Xavier Montsalvatge

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1945

Average_duration

:

11:42

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Xavier Montsalvatge's 'Canciones negras (5)' is a song cycle composed in 1946. The premiere of the work took place in Barcelona in 1947. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is based on a poem by a different Latin American poet. The poems are all in Spanish and deal with themes of love, death, and the struggles of the oppressed. The first movement, 'Cuba dentro de un piano,' is based on a poem by Nicolás Guillén. The music is characterized by a lively, syncopated rhythm that evokes the sounds of Cuban music. The vocal line is expressive and passionate, with a wide range of dynamics and a sense of urgency. The second movement, 'Punto de habanera,' is based on a poem by Federico García Lorca. The music is characterized by a slow, sultry rhythm that evokes the sensuality of the habanera dance. The vocal line is languid and sensual, with long, flowing phrases that emphasize the beauty of the Spanish language. The third movement, 'Chévere,' is based on a poem by Nicolás Guillén. The music is characterized by a fast, jazzy rhythm that evokes the energy of the Afro-Cuban music scene. The vocal line is playful and rhythmic, with a sense of humor that reflects the poem's lighthearted tone. The fourth movement, 'Canción de cuna para dormir a un negrito,' is based on a poem by Gabriela Mistral. The music is characterized by a gentle, lullaby-like rhythm that evokes the tenderness of a mother singing to her child. The vocal line is soft and soothing, with a sense of maternal love that is both comforting and poignant. The fifth and final movement, 'Canción negra,' is based on a poem by Xavier Villaurrutia. The music is characterized by a slow, mournful rhythm that evokes the sadness and despair of the oppressed. The vocal line is powerful and emotional, with a sense of anger and defiance that reflects the poem's themes of resistance and struggle. Overall, 'Canciones negras (5)' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Montsalvatge's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of Latin American culture and history. The cycle is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression and adversity.

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