PROGRAM NOTE
Goyescas for flute & guitar (2008) is a cycle of six short pieces inspired by five paintings of Francisco Goya. It was commissioned by flutist Marina Piccinini and guitarist Emanuele Segre, who premiered it at the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society on January 23, 2009.
I. Pregón is a brilliant fanfare that echoes the brash trumpet calls (or pregones) that imperiously summoned villagers to important communal festivals.
II. La familia de Carlos IV is inspired by a portrait of the majestic and noble royal family of Charles IV of Spain.
III. Las majas en el balcón depicts two sultry ‘majas’ (maidens) flanked by two threatening ‘guardias civiles’ (Spanish police).
IV. El sueño (the dream) is Goya’s poetic, sensual and passionate depiction of a vulnerable and mysterious sleeping woman.
V. La Fragua is a grim, dark portrait of three men toiling at a blazing forge.
VI. Toque is a variation of the initial Pregón that prepares the lightness and playfulness of La gallina Ciega.
VII. La gallina ciega is Goya’s humored, sunny depiction of a childhood game of “blind man’s bluff.”
This work has a Spanish folk flavor imparted by mysterious harmonic and modal overtones. The fiery dance rhythms and the infectious spirit imbue this cycle with a special fire and vitality only found in the music of the Spanish people. I especially enjoy spicing up my melodies with grace notes and the elaborate, intricate ´melismas´ (ornamental melodic embellishments) found in Flamenco music and other traditional folk music of Spain. I have blended these beloved musical traditions with contemporary compositional techniques that meld these ancient forms into a poetic, lyrical, and intimate personal musical language.
To listen to an audio recording visit: Identidade – Album by Andrea González Caballero | Spotify
The score is available here for 29.30 euros: Goyescas – Hofmeister Musikverlag
For more information, please contact info@elisendafabregas.com. And, to explore more of Fabregas’ music visit: HOME – Elisenda Fabregas Elisenda Fabregas – Composer