MOZART – DE FALLA

The colorful and passionate work of Manuel de Falla is deeply rooted in vivid Iberian folklore. Particularly inspiring for the composer was the region of Andalusia, rich in cultural and historical heritage, where Spanish tradition had been shaped for centuries by foreign influences, including Arab and Romani. Falla wove this enchanting diversity into his unique musical language, enriched with an impressionistic flair gained during his time in Paris. He placed the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic patterns of southern Spanish music into a new context – a perfect example of which are the works that frame today’s concert program. The first suite from the ballet El sombrero de tres picos opens with the energetic Introducción, followed by a movement entitled La tarde – a nostalgic depiction of the Andalusian town of Guadix in the early 19th century. The Corregidor, a high-ranking official who wears the titular tricorn hat as a symbol of office, intends to seduce the miller’s wife. The woman, however, proves to be not only beautiful but also loyal. Her charm and character are brilliantly captured in the playful fandango in the suite’s second movement. Equally captivating are the remaining parts of the cycle – El Corregidor and Las Uvas.

The theme of love also remains central to the ballet-pantomime El Amor Brujo – this time not in a satirical, but rather a more reflective tone. The work was composed for Pastora Imperio, a flamenco artist from Seville, still regarded today as one of the most iconic figures in the art form. It tells the story of a young Romani woman who, haunted by the jealous spirit of her deceased husband, is unable to find happiness in a new relationship. Andalusian passion and the mystical power of love are reflected in the expressive dances, among which is the famous Ritual Fire Dance.

Between the ballet compositions, we will hear three concert arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: the delightfully inventive Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia, KV 513, and the lyrical Misero! O sogno, o son desto?, KV 431; the program will also feature the scena and aria Ch’io mi scordi di te, KV 505, bearing the dedication “For Mlle Storace and me”. The remarkable interplay between the vocal and piano parts in this is proof of the profound bond shared by the composer and the gifted singer.

Marta Dziewanowska-Pachowska

PROGRAM

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) – Suite I from the ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat)

1. Introducción
2. La tarde
3. Danza de la Molinera
4. El Corregidor
5. Las uvas

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) – Concert aria Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia  KV 513

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concert aria Misero! O sogno, o son desto?  KV 431

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concert aria Ch’io mi scordi di te?… Non temer, amato bene  KV 505

Manuel de Falla – Balet-pantomime El amor brujo

1. Introducción y Escena
2. En la Cueva [La Noche]
3. Canción del amor dolido
4. El Aparecido
5. Danza del Terror
6. El Circulo Mágico [Romance del Pescador]
7. A Media Noche [Los Sortilegios]
8. Danza ritual del Fuego
9. Escena
10. Canción del Fuego fatuo
11. Pantomima
12. Danza del Juego de Amor
13. Final [Las Campanas del Amanecer]

PERFORMERS

MONIKA LEDZION MEZZOSOPRANO

ANETA ŁUKASZEWICZ MEZZOSOPRANO

SYLWESTER SMULCZYŃSKI TENOR

WOJTEK GIERLACH BASS

NATALIA PAWLASZEK GRAND PIANO

THE ORCHESTRA OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA

PRZEMYSŁAW FIUGAJSKI CONDUCTOR

Duration: approx. 1 h 10 mins (with an intermission)

PATRON OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA