Homenaje by Manuel de Falla – Jerry Willard – Guitar
Homenaje pour le Tombeau de Claude Debussy, Manuel de Falla for solo guitar played by guitarist Jerry Willard – recorded in Stowe Vermont January 2015 on a Francisco Fernandez guitar made in Madrid 1960. For more about my music and me please visit my web page at http://www.jerrywillard.com. MANUEL DE FALLA Manuel de Falla was born in Cadiz Spain November 23, 1876 and died in Alta Gracia, Argentina November 14, 1946. Manuel de Falla is considered to be the greatest Spanish composer of the early 20th century. He achieved in his music a fusion of classicism and nationalism that reflected folkloric roots of Spain. Falla’s major works include the ballets “El Amor Brujo” and “El Sombrero De Tres Picos”, a suite of three pieces for piano and orchestra “Noches En Los Jardines de Espana”, an opera “La Vida Breve” and the “Homenaje pour le Tombeau de Claude Debussy” for solo guitar.
Homenaje pour le Tombeau de Claude Debussy, Manuel de Falla for solo guitar The Homenaje was written for the music magazine “Revue Musicale’’. The Revue asked many well-known composers of the day, including Dukas, Ravel, and Bartok to write compositions to eulogize to Debussy. The guitarist Miguel Llobet suggested that de Falla write a guitar composition. The Homenaje was published in the 1920 edition of the Revue.
Biographical material on some the personage in the photographs
LUISA VELA (1884 – 1938)
Luisa Vela is considered one of the greatest soprano of the early twentieth century. Vela sang the first public performance of the “Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas” song cycle on January 14, 1915, with de Falla at the keyboard.
JOAQUIN TURINA (1882 – 1949)
Joaquin Turina is known as a nationalistic Spanish composer. His compositions reflect the dances, songs and folklore of Spain. He wrote and dedicated many compositions for solo guitar to Andres Segovia. These compositions are considered standard repertoire for guitarists today.
MARÍA LEJÁRRAGA (1874 – 1974)
María Lejárraga was a feminist writer, novelist, and librettist. She wrote the librettos for “El Amor Brujo” by Manuel de Falla, and “Margot” by Joaquín Turina.
PASTORA IMPERIO (1887 – 1979) Pastora Imperio was a flamenco dancer and prima ballerina at the premiere of “El Amor Brujo” by Manuel de Falla, 82 April 1915 at the Teatro Lara in Madrid.
ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN (1887 – 1982)
Arthur Rubinstein is considered one of the great pianists of the 20th century and is considered by many to be the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time. Rubinstein performed on the concert stage for 8 decades.
WANDA LANDOWSKA (1879 – 1959)
Wanda Landowska a Polish harpsichordist played a large role in reviving the harpsichord in the 20th century. De Falla composed “El Retablo De Maese Podro” and later a harpsichord concerto both dedicated to Landowska.
ANDRÉS SEGOVIA (1893 – 1987)
Andrés Segovia considered to be the father of the classical guitar has been regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Segovia’s commissioned many compositions for guitar and left a legacy of many beautiful transcriptions, which are still performed today.
MARCEL MOYSE (1889 -1984)
Marcel Moyse, a French flautist, considered to be one of the great flautists of the 20th century. He was known for his clear penetrating sound and fast controlled vibrato. His playing and teaching influenced generation of flautists.
DARIUS MILHAUD (1892 – 1974)
Dauris Milhaud was a prolific French composer writing more than 400 works is known for his use of polytonality. He was known as one of “Les Six” representing the important French composers between World War I and World War II.
LAURA SANTELMO (1897 – 1977)
Laura Santelmo, a flamenco dancer and ballerina, she danced in “El Amor Brujo”.
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