‘Goyescas’: Music in the Time of Goya

Join Spanish virtuoso pianist José Menor and The Latin Classical Chamber Orchestra on an exhilarating musical journey to 18th-century Spain as they mark the 2016 centenary of the great Spanish composer Enrique Granados (1867-1916). This unique multi-media programme, inspired by the life and times of Granados’ greatest muse, the Spanish painter Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), is part of a commemorative world tour launched at New York’s Carnegie Hall in March.

The great Romantic Spanish composer, Enrique Granados, was fascinated by the artworks of Francisco de Goya – falling in love (in his own words) ‘with the psychology of Goya and his palette…his quarrels, loves and flatteries’. Recognised internationally as a leading exponent of Granados, the pre-eminent Spanish pianist José Menor – cited as ‘the successor to Alicia de Larrocha’ (Diario de Burgos) – will give a complete performance of Granados’ magnum opus, the monumental piano suite Goyescas alongside other sumptuous vignettes also composed under the Goya banner.

In collaboration with the Latin Classical Chamber Orchestra and special guests including classical guitarist Laura Snowden, soprano Christin Wismann and the illustrious flamenco dancer and percussionist Nina Corti, this exuberant programme also explores the elegant musical aesthetic of Goya's era and its intoxicating effect on the Romantic imagination of Granados’ contemporaries and beyond, to the 20th-century works of de Falla and the film music of Roque Baños. Expect a colourful programme of fiery Spanish fandangos, seguidillas and boleros coupled with well-known classical favourites by Beethoven, Scarlatti and Haydn, set against the Baroque splendour of St John's Smith Square.

Originally curated for The National Gallery as part of its 2015 blockbuster exhibition 'Goya: The Portraits', this ‘simply fascinating’ programme (Genteventos) is accompanied by a stunning visual projection of Goya artworks and will be introduced by Granados’ great-granddaughter Bárbara Granados.

‘Devastatingly sublime.’ (Music & Vision)

José Menor - piano
Laura Snowden - guitar
Christin Wismann - soprano
Helen Glaisher-Hernández - piano
Nina Corti - choreography & castanets
The Latin Classical Chamber Orchestra

Enrique Granados - Goyescas ‘Los majos enamorados’ , Crepúsculo, Jácara, Serenata goyesca, Reverie-Improvisation, El pelele, Colección de tonadillas escritas en estilo antiguo
Joseph Haydn - The Seven Last Words of Christ: 'Terremoto'
Ludwig van Beethoven - Songs of Various Nationalities
Domenico Scarlatti - Salve Regina: ‘Salve Regina’
Luigi Boccherini - Quintet Op. 30 No. 6 G324 ‘La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid’ , Quintet No. 4 in D G448: ‘Fandango’, Quintet No. 9 in C G453: '12 Variations on La ritirata di Madrid'
Francesco Geminiani - Concerto grosso No. 12 'La folía'
Manuel de Falla - El sombrero de tres picos: ‘Danza del molinero’
Antonio Soler - Quintet No. 3 in G: 'Allegro pastorile'
Fernando Sor - Seguidillas: 'Las mujeres y cuerdas', Three Waltzes Dedicated to Lady Jane and Lady Georgina Paget: ‘No. 2’
Obradors - Canciones clásicas españolas Volume 3: ‘No. 6 “El vito”’
Jacinto Valledor y la Calle - La cantada vida y muerte del General Mambrú: ‘Mambrú quedó difunto’
Roque Baños - Goya en Burdeos: 'Los caprichos'

This event is part of Echoes Festival organised by ILAMS in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes with the kind support of Acción Cultural Española and the Embassy of Spain.