Composer

:

Manuel de Falla

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1915 - 1926

Manuel de Falla's 'El Amor brujo' is a ballet composed in 1914-1915, with a chamber version (G. 48) created in 1925. The chamber version was premiered on April 15, 1925, in Madrid, Spain. The ballet tells the story of a young woman named Candelas, who is haunted by the ghost of her former lover. The music is characterized by its use of Spanish folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of flamenco-style singing and dancing. The chamber version of 'El Amor brujo' features a smaller ensemble than the original ballet score, with instrumentation for piano, violin, cello, and percussion. The work is divided into six movements, each of which represents a different aspect of Candelas' story. The first movement, 'Introducción y escena,' sets the stage for the story and introduces the main characters. The second movement, 'En la cueva,' features a haunting melody played by the cello, representing the ghostly presence that haunts Candelas. The third movement, 'Canción del amor dolido,' is a vocal solo sung by Candelas, expressing her pain and longing for her lost love. The fourth movement, 'El aparecido,' features a lively dance rhythm and represents the appearance of the ghost. The fifth movement, 'Danza del terror,' is a frenzied dance that represents Candelas' fear and desperation. The final movement, 'Círculo mágico,' is a triumphant dance that represents Candelas' victory over the ghost and her newfound freedom. Overall, 'El Amor brujo' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Falla's mastery of Spanish folk music and his ability to create vivid musical narratives. The chamber version, with its smaller ensemble and more intimate sound, offers a unique perspective on this classic work.

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