Customer Reviews

The Essential Falla

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Essential Falla" is just that, including all of Manuel de Falla's major works (performed by the likes of Dutoit, Fruhbeck de Burgos and de Larrocha) on these two CDs. Highlights are excellent performances of Falla's three most famous works: "El amor brujo", "Noches en los jardines de Espana" and "El Sombrero de tres picos". The rest of the included music is perhaps less well-know but no less enjoyable. Perhaps the only quibble I have with this CD is the enclusion of the Harpsicord Concerto. While it is an enjoyable piece, it is very much a Stravinsky-esque neo-classical work, and it seems somewhat out of place amongst Falla's other, very Spanish, works. Nonetheless, if you enjoy 20th Century Spanish music, this CD is indeed an essential.

All of Falla's major work on 2 discs, and in great performances, to boot? If your collection has a corner for Spanish classical music that is vacant, this pair of discs is the one to look for. Very worthwhile, varied music of extremely high quality. Grab it while it's still around.

Manuel de Falla is considered to be the central figure in the renaissance of Spanish music that took place during the opening decades of the twentieth century. He drew upon many traditions including gypsy music and folk song and dance. While living in Paris he was encouraged by Debussy and Ravel. This is a two CD set and the first CD contains the Nights in the Gardens of Spain, my favorite work by Falla. The music is varied, shifting from one pleasant interlude to another. The second CD has The Three Cornered Hat, music for ballet that was first performed in 1919 in London with sets by Picasso. The ballet is about a jealous miller who has unfounded suspicion of his young beautiful wife. Falla's work often consists of reinterpretation and reinvention of the historic music of Spain, baroque or religious, folk or country fare. Some of the work is a bit too modernist for me but the primary compositions listed above are very enjoyable.

Una grabacion
magistral de los
clasicos de Manuel de Falla.
Este disco contiene el famoso
"Homage a Debussy" la unica
obra original compuesta para
guitarra por la mano del compositor.
Tremenda grabaccion, como para no
perdersela a ese precio...