Spain lies in the southern part of Europe, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful country whose warm-hearted and passionate people reflect their character in their songs, dances, and the works of their composers.
The French composer Édouard Lalo (1823–1892) incorporated strongly rhythmic Spanish elements into many of his works, including his composition for solo violin and orchestra entitled Symphonie espagnole.
Manuel de Falla (1876–1946) composed a ballet titled The Three-Cornered Hat. The French composer Georges Bizet (1838–1875), meanwhile, wrote an opera whose title character is a young woman named Carmen. Its music features several authentic Spanish dances, including the habanera and the seguidilla. Our concert concludes with an orchestral suite assembled from some of the opera’s most popular excerpts.
Édouard Lalo: Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21 – First Movement
Manuel de Falla: Spanish Dance No. 1
Manuel de Falla: The Three-Cornered Hat – Suite
Georges Bizet: Carmen Suite (Selections)
