A Study of Siete canciones populares Españolas by Manuel de Falla

Abstract

Among Manuel de Falla's famous works, I have selected Siete canciones populares Españolas(Seven Spanish Folksongs) as the theme of my lecture recital in view of the relative dearth of sources that deal with cello performance practice in this great work. In particular, I have examined the way French cellist Maurice Maréchal (1892-1964) arranged a suite for cello and piano from Falla's setting of popular Spanish songs. Maréchal was a French cellist who worked with his contemporaries; for example, he premiered Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello with the violinist Helene Jourdan-Morhange in 1922. His arrangement exploits the expressive language of the cello and is worthy of study in view of an appropriate performance practice. The purpose of this project is to investigate various ways to present Spanish musical expressions found in Seven Spanish Folksongs in terms of cello technique, to recreate the unique accent of Spanish song. Through an analysis of the piece, I will discuss nationalistic elements on form, melody, harmony, rhythm, and performance practice. From a cellist's perspective, I will provide clear guidelines about what aspects should be considered when performing this piece. Additionally I will consider how the pianist should approach the piano part in respect to the cello sounds and performance practice.