Manuel de Falla's colourful and passionate oeuvre is firmly rooted in expressive Iberian folklore. Particularly inspiring for the composer was the culturally and historically rich region of Andalusia, where Spanish tradition has been subjected over the centuries to foreign influences such as Arab or Roma. This enchanting diversity was incorporated by the composer into his individual musical language, enriched by an impressionistic touch acquired during his stay in Paris. The harmonic, melodic and rhythmic patterns inherent in southern Spanish music have been placed in a new context, a perfect example of which are the works that like a clasp fasten the programme of today's concert. Suite I from the ballet El sombrero de tres picos opens with Mediodia, a nostalgic image of the Andalusian town of Guadix in the early 19th century. Corregidor, a high-ranking clerk who wears the distinctive headgear of the title by virtue of his position, wishes to seduce a beautiful married milliner. The woman, however, proves to be distinguished not only by her beauty, but also by her fidelity. Her allure and character are perfectly conveyed by the playful fandango placed as part two of the suite. No less captivating are the subsequent sections of the cycle - El Corregidor and Las uvas.

The love theme also remains the axis of the pantomime ballet El amor brujo - this time not in a satirical but more reflective way. The work was created for Pastora Imperio, a Seville-based flamenco artist who is still considered one of the most representative representatives of this art movement. It is the story of a young gypsy girl who - constantly haunted by the jealous ghost of her dead husband - cannot find happiness in a new relationship. The Andalusian temperament and mystical power of feeling are reflected in the expressive dances, among which the famous ritual Fire Dance stands out.

Between the ballet music we will hear three concert arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: the delightfully inventive Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia KV 513 and the lyrical Misero! O sogno, o son desto? KV 431. There will also be the scene and aria Ch'io mi scordi di te KV 505 bearing the dedication 'For Mselle Storace and me', in which the strength of expression of the extraordinary dialogue between the vocal and piano parts is testament to the deep understanding between the composer and the talented singer.

Programme:

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Suite No. 1 from the ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The three-brimmed hat)
1 Introduccion
2. La tarde
3. Danza de la Molinera
4 El Corregidor
5. las uvas

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Concert aria Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia KV 513
Concert aria Misero! O sogno, o son desto? KV 431
Concert aria Ch'io mi scordi di te?... Non temer, amato bene KV 505

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Ballet pantomime El amor brujo (The Magic Love)

1 Introduccion y Escena
2. En la Cueva [La Noche].
3. canción del amor dolido
4 El Aparecido
5 Danza del Terror
6 El Circulo Mágico [Romance del Pescador].
7. A Media Noche [Los Sortilegios].
8 Danza ritual del Fuego
9th Escena
10. Canción del Fuego fatuo
11. pantomime
12. Danza del Juego de Amor
13th Final [Las Campanas del Amanecer].

Performers:
Monika Ledzion mezzo-soprano
Aneta Łukaszewicz mezzo-soprano
Sylwester Smulczynski tenor
Wojtek Gierlach bass
Natalia Pawlaszek piano
Orchestra of the Polish Royal Opera
Przemysław Fiugajski Conductor
The presenter Tatiana Hempel-Gierlach