Synopsis
London might seem an unlikely venue for the premiere of this quintessentially Spanish music—but it was a decidedly international affair when Manuel de Falla’s ballet “The Three-Cornered Hat” received its premiere performance at the Alhambra Theatre in London on today’s date in 1919.
The ballet was choreographed by the Russian dancer Leonide Massine, who performed in the premiere with the Ballet Russe company headed by Serge Diaghilev, who had commissioned de Falla to write the work in the first place. The conductor for the premiere, Ernest Ansermet, was Swiss, but the scenery, costumes and curtain, at least, were designed by de Falla’s countryman, the famous Spanish artist Pablo Piccasso.
Andalucian by birth, but living in Paris, de Falla must have found it frustrating that during this time his music was sometimes snubbed in Spain as sounding too cosmopolitan, and then pigeon-holed abroad as sounding too Spanish!
The career of Latino-American composer Roberto Sierra has also turned out to be similarly cosmopolitan. Born in Puerto Rico in 1953, Sierra studied in Europe—with the Hungarian composer György Ligeti among others—before returning to the United States where he now lives and works. His music has been performed by leading American ensembles and orchestras—including the Philadelphia Orchestra, where Sierra served as composer-in-residence. This chamber work by Sierra, titled “Eros,” was written for flutist Carol Wincenc.
Music Played in Today's Program
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) The Three-cornered Hat Ballet Suisse Romande Orchestra; Ernest Ansermet, cond. London 414 039
Roberto Sierra (b. 1953) Eros Jeani Foster, flute; Stefanie Jacob, piano Fleur de son Classics 57950
On This Day
Births
1822 - Italian composer Luigi Arditti, in Crescentino, Piedmont
Deaths
1870 - Austrian composer Josef Strauss, age 42, in Vienna;
Premieres
1833 - Cherubini: opera,"Ali Baba," at Paris Opéra
1844 - Wagner: "A Faust Overture," in Dresden
1847 - Verdi: opera "I Masnadieri" (The Bandits), in London at Her Majesty's Theater
1919 - Manuel de Falla: ballet, "The Three Cornered Hat," in London, by Diaghilev's Ballet Russe
1930 - Chavez: ballet "The Four Suns," in Mexico City;
1934 - Cowell: "Movement" for string quartet (String Quartet No. 2), at Mills College in Oakland, Calif., by the Pro Arte String Quartet
2000 - London premiere of Colin Matthews: "Pluto - The Renewer" (intended as a contribution to Gustav Holst's "The Planets"), at a BBC Proms concert; This music was first performed on May 11, 2000, by the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, with Kent Nagano conducting
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About Composers Datebook®
Host John Birge presents a daily snapshot of composers past and present, with timely information, intriguing musical events and appropriate, accessible music related to each.
He has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.
