Although the Iberian keyboard tradition took its first steps in the 1500s with some literature for organ, it was during the 18th century when the splendor of Harpsichord music by Domenico Scarlatti and Antonio Soler resonated worldwide. Towards the end of the 19th century and throughout the first half of the 20th century, Spanish composers saw nationalism as a cultural source to exploit and promote Spanish piano music. Today, the idea of Spanish nationalism in music can still be heard among modern compositions, although clothed with a more contemporary musical language.

Spanish pianist Pablo Martínez Martínez will present a lecture recital that will guide the listener through several stages of the Spanish piano literature. The first stage will focus on keyboard literature of the late Baroque/early Classical period with Sonatas bys Antonio Soler. Pablo will discuss how Soler’s Sonatas represent the unique sound of Spanish music of the 18th Century due to their harmonic language, idiomatic guitar-like figuration, and reliance on Iberian folk music.

The second stage will explore the synthesis between neoclassical writing and Spanish flamenco sonorities with Manuel de Falla’s monumental Fantasía Baetica. Manuel de Falla was a strong advocate of Andalusian Folk tradition. The name “Baetica” comes from the ancient province of the Roman Empire located in the southern region of Spain. Elements such as the different flamenco “palos,” modal language, guitar-like writing, and others will be addressed during the lecture to provide an immersive experience into de Falla’s Fantasía.

The third part of this lecture will present the music of Antón García Abril, one of the most influential contemporary composers in Spain, but unknown outside of his Country. Mainly known for his film and television music, his music for piano solo remains unexplored. His music continues showcasing some of the nationalist tendencies of the 20th century but with a more vanguardist language. A discussion, followed by the performance of García Abril’s music will reveal the three most representative elements of his music: The Spanish folk influence, a modernist language, and an recurrent sense of lyricism.