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Home > Falla, Manuel > 4 Piezas espanolas

Falla, Manuel : 4 Piezas espanolas

Work Overview

Music ID : 3704
Composition Year:1907 
Publication Year:1908
First Publisher:Durand
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:17 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Wada, Mayuko

Last Updated: December 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Falla is perhaps more renowned as a composer of modern ballets than as a piano composer.

This piece, composed around the time Falla established his nationalist stance (1907-1908), is one of his few yet significant piano works, as it clearly exhibits the characteristics of that period.

A suite consisting of the following four short pieces. While each piece employs a simple form, distinct ethnic characteristics are vividly expressed within them. The writing style shares similarities with that of Albéniz and Debussy. It is dedicated to Albéniz.

Although the fourth movement is sometimes performed independently, it is generally performed as a complete suite. The approximate performance time is 17 minutes.

1. Aragonesa / No.1 "Aragonesa"

  • 3/8 time, Allegro. The rising chords in the introduction characterize this piece as an overture.
  • With an Aragonese melody, it incorporates the rhythm of the folk dance Jota. It has a fresh and bright atmosphere, with motifs repeated numerous times.
  • Due to frequent modulations, it is advisable to play with an awareness of the different tonal colors.
  • In the Tranquillo section, the melody is sung gently, in accordance with the dance rhythm.

2. Cubana / No.2 "Cubana"

  • A major, 3/4 and 6/8 time, Moderato. A Cuban-style piece.
  • The frequent changes in time signature effectively convey a free, tropical atmosphere. The melody sung over this is gentle, relaxed, and warm.
  • In A-B-A form, the middle section is Poco più vivo. The playful rhythmic changes are interesting.
  • One should aim for a light expression, effectively utilizing the strong and weak beats that accompany the rhythmic fluctuations.

3. Montanesa / No.3 "Montanesa"

  • La Montañesa style, D major, 3/4 time, Andantino tranquillo. Subtitled "Landscape," this is an impressionistic piece.
  • The sound of bells heard from the beginning echoes repeatedly throughout the piece.
  • In the Più animato section, a folk song from Santander in the north is sung over tremolo sounds.
  • And at dusk, even within the quiet scene, the sound of bells resonates beautifully. The perspective of the echoes, the contrast between the tranquility of dusk and the resonating bells.
  • One should aim to create effective resonance, varying not only the volume but also the timbre.

4. Andaluza / No.4 "Andaluza"

  • A key, E mode. 3/4 time. Vivo.
  • A masterpiece full of Andalusian spirit and passion. This piece is often performed independently.
  • It begins with impressive, rhythmically strong repeated notes played Vivo. Over a unique rhythm reminiscent of Flamenco, the melody is sung with an enchanting atmosphere.
  • In the Doppio più lento ma sempre mosso section, although the tempo slows, the hidden passion remains.
  • Subsequently, just as a growling bass resonates, the music suddenly builds to a passionate climax. A song using the E mode is sung expressively, and in the coda, the opening motif is recalled at ppp before the piece fades away.
Writer: Wada, Mayuko

Movements (4)

"Aragonesa"

Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

"Cubana"

Total Performance Time: 4 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

"Montanesa"

Total Performance Time: 4 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

"Andaluza"

Total Performance Time: 4 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

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