Pantomine - El amor Brujo

Manuel de Falla y Matheu (23 November 1876 – 14 November 1946) was a Spanish composer. Along with Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados, he was one of Spain's most important musicians of the first half of the 20th century. His image appeared on Spain's 1970 100-pesetas banknote.

For information on his interesting and varied life and career, you can find the facts here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Falla

His honors include: Associate of the Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium (1935);
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Alfonso X the Wise (1940); Member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando; Member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias.

These two transcriptions are taken from the ballet "El amor brujo", which dates from 1915, which was composed shortly after Falla's return to Madrid, shortly after the start of World War I.

"El amor brujo" tranlates as "The Love Wizard," but since the Concert Hall is rated GP, I can provide no more information at present... ;-)

These two fine transcriptions were made by the English pianist, conductor, organist and arranger, Maurice Besly (1888-1945). He was born in Normanby, Yorkshire, and was educated at Tonbridge School and Caius College, Cambridge. After a short stage career he studied music at the Leipzig Conservatorium. From 1912-1914 he was music-master at Tonbridge School, returning there after World War I as Assistant Music Master. In 1919 he became director of music and organist of Queen’s College, Oxford (1919–1926).

His compositions include orchestral, choral and instrumental works, and his organ transcriptions include works by Stravinsky and Bizet.

"Pantomine" starts with high drama, as we hear which must surely be a great matador's song. This melts away to lyric sensuality and tenderness.

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Falla and Besly. Also attached is a record jacket from a recording of "El amor Brujo."