After losing his mother in 1953 and subsequently the death of a friend, Mompou began to compose music that was more introspective than ever before. Musica Callada (Silent Music) was also composed during this period. The Spanish title “Musica Callada” is sometimes translated as “Music of Silence” or “Silent Music”. In the text accompanying Volume 1, it is noted that the title is a quotation from the poem “La Musica Callada, la Soledad Sonora (Sounding Solitude, Silent Music)” by the poet San Juan de la Cruz.

This collection of pieces was composed between 1959 and 1967. Across four volumes (Volumes 1 to 4), it contains small pieces, each no longer than two pages, with nine pieces in Volume 1, seven in Volume 2, five in Volume 3, and seven in Volume 4. Indeed, many of these pieces were not written for concert performance but rather as if they were monologues. Only Volume 4 was dedicated to Larrocha.

XVII.

4/4 time, Lento. Beginning with persistently repeated octaves on the same note, the melody wanders heavily in the same place. There is no light of hope to be found.

XVIII.

3/4 time, Luminoso. Luminous triplets echo repeatedly in the darkness. While paying attention to dynamic changes is essential, a careful ear is also required when layering sounds.

XIX.

3/4 time, Tranquilo. The third piece continues with a heavy atmosphere. Pay attention to the precise tempo settings. When playing the bass notes, ensure that the sustained upper chords do not lose their resonance.

XX.

2/4 time, Calme. The atmosphere is soft and gentle, yet constantly unstable, offering no peace of mind. Although the parts are fragmented, one should perform with an awareness of whether each section within the larger whole is stagnant or progressing.

XXI.

4/4 time, Lento. Dissonances shimmering in the stillness, the repeated striking of bells in the bass, mysterious fourth and fifth chords, and so on. In terms of sonic character, it bears similarities to the second piece. A heavy, subdued atmosphere pervades throughout.