Immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of Manuel de Falla's "La vida breve," a captivating one-act opera that won the composition competition of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes in 1904. This album, released on February 1, 2014, under SOMM Recordings, offers a compelling journey through the dramatic and lyrical brilliance of Falla's composition, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes.
"La vida breve," often hailed as Spain's national opera, is a timeless tale of love and betrayal between a Gypsy girl and a young man of means. The opera is divided into two acts and four tableaux, each brimming with vivid characters and emotional depth. The album features a series of powerful arias and ensembles, showcasing the intricate interplay between soloists and orchestra.
From the lively and rhythmic "Intermezzo" to the passionate "Danza" and the poignant "Mi querer es como el hierro," each track is a testament to Falla's mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. The album also includes notable pieces like "Vivan los que rien!" and "Carmela mia!" which highlight the opera's dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty.
Manuel de Falla's "La vida breve" is not just an opera; it's a cultural treasure that encapsulates the essence of Spanish music and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience, showcasing the enduring brilliance of one of Spain's most celebrated composers.
2014 SOMM Recordings2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 1: Ah! Ah! Ande le tareaManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Miguel Pujol, Rosario Gomez, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 1: Mi querer es como el hierroManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Miguel Pujol, Rosario Gomez, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 1: Ramicos de claveles!Manuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Miguel Pujol, Carmen Gombau, Agustina Turullos, Pilar Tello, Rosario Gomez, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 2: Abuela, no viene!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Rosario Gomez, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 2: Solo tengo dos cariñosManuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Rosario Gomez, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 3: Ah! Ah! Ande la tareaManuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Miguel Pujol, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 3: Vivan los que rien!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 3: Malhaya el hombre, malhayaManuel de Falla, Miguel Pujol, Victoria de los Ángeles, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 4: Salud! Que? Que pasa?Manuel de Falla, Rosario Gomez, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 5: Paco! Paco! Mi salud!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Pablo Civil, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 5: Dime, Paco no es verdad?Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Pablo Civil, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 6: Paco! Mi chavala!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Pablo Civil, Rosario Gomez, Emilio Paya, Miguel Pujol, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 6: Ande vas?Manuel de Falla, Rosario Gomez, Emilio Paya, Victoria de los Ángeles, Pablo Civil, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau I, Scene 6: Malhaya la jembra pobreManuel de Falla, Miguel Pujol, Pablo Civil, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act I Tableau II, Scene 7: IntermezzoManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 1: Ole! Ay! Yo canto por soleares!Manuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, José Simorra, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 1: DanzaManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 2: Allí esta!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, José Simorra, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 2: Ay que mundo y ay que cosas!Manuel de Falla, José Simorra, Victoria de los Ángeles, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 3: No te dije?Manuel de Falla, Emilio Paya, Rosario Gomez, Victoria de los Ángeles, Josefina Puigsech, Pablo Civil, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 3: Malhaya la jembra pobre!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Rosario Gomez, Emilio Paya, Josefina Puigsech, Pablo Civil, Fernando Cachadiña, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act II Tableau I, Scene 3: IntermezzoManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau II, Scene 4: DanzaManuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau II, Scene 4: Carmela mia!Manuel de Falla, Ernesto Halffter, Pablo Civil, Josefina Puigsech, Fernando Cachadiña, Emilio Paya, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
La vida breve, Act II Tableau II, Scene 4: Que gracia!Manuel de Falla, Fernando Cachadiña, Emilio Paya, Pablo Civil, Josefina Puigsech, Victoria de los Ángeles, Rosario Gomez, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
La vida breve, Act II Tableau II, Scene 4: No! No! No! Yo no vengo a cantar!Manuel de Falla, Victoria de los Ángeles, Pablo Civil, Fernando Cachadiña, Emilio Paya, Rosario Gomez, Capilla Clasica Polifonica, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, Ernesto Halffter
Manuel de Falla, born in Cádiz, Spain, in 1876, is celebrated as one of Spain's most significant composers of the 20th century. Alongside contemporaries like Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados, Falla's work is pivotal in Spanish classical music. Though his output was relatively modest, his compositions are profound and deeply rooted in Spanish musical traditions. Falla's genius lies in his ability to capture the spirit of his native land without directly using folk melodies, creating a unique and enduring musical legacy. His compositions span various styles, from romantic Spanish nationalism to avant-garde, reflecting his innovative approach to music. Falla's life and work took him from Spain to Argentina, where he passed away in 1946, leaving behind a rich tapestry of music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
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Manuel de Falla
