MANUEL DE FALLA

The synthesis of Spanish folklore, poetics of music and temperamental passion in Manuel de Falla’s music, that moves every living soul, earned him the repute of one of the most influential Spanish composers of the 20th century. The composer’s ballet El sombrero de tres picos, saturated with Andalusian folk motifs, is based on Pedro Antonio de Alarcóno’s namesake novel. The creation of the ballet was inspired by Sergei Diaghilev, the famous art critic of the time, patron and ballet impresario, choreography was designed by Léonide Massine, and scenography and costumes by the famous Pablo Picasso. The premiere took place in London at the Alhambra Theatre on July 22, 1919. El sombrero de tres picos tells the story of the jealous miller Lucas, his beautiful wife Frasquita and the intrigues of the deceptive Magistrate with great humour. The ballet music abounds with Spanish dances and lush use of the percussion instruments. The guitar sound imitated in the orchestra highlights the Spanish spirit. In 1919 and 1921 the composer presented two suites for the ballet’s concert performance. The second suite, consisting of three dances, is more popular and more often performed by symphony orchestras. The first dance – Danza de los vecinos (Dance of the Neighbours), featuring seguidilla, portrays Midsummer’s Night; the second – Danza del molinero (Dance of the Miller) is a fiery farruca (flamenco dance form). Like the ballet, the suite concludes with Danza final (Final Dance), which features an energetic, enchanting northern Spanish dance jota.
The Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra is led by conductor Karolis Variakojis, one of the founders and leaders of the contemporary music ensemble Synaesthesis.