A Diversion into Architecture

 

As with music, I claim no expertise on architecture, but what a history!

Apparently, the creation and building of the Sagrada Família Basilica in Barcelona (the one pictured on the cover) has a long, tumultuous history.

Begun in 1882, the construction continues still today, with hopes of final completion in 2034. It apparently is a working basilica and has since been consecrated by the Pope within the last decade or so.

I have never visited this edifice personally, but it sounds a glorious place to explore. There is a lift up to one of the towers, but the descent is mostly rail-less stairs, some 300-600 or so.

The choir area (pictured) has iron railings that, when viewed from across, display the Veni Creator Spiritus chant in neumes and all!

It certainly is a sight to see, and its architectural quirks and history are wonderful to read about. There is a very detailed blog post about it HERE, and another detailing the ascent and descent from one of the towers HERE.

Why this jaunt into Barcelona's architecture? Well, seeing the image on the cover of this recording, led me to find the name of the building, which led me to some of the history and current ongoing troubles, which led me to explore further. Certainly an internet rabbit hole, if ever there was one.

Enrique Granados is a Spanish composer, mostly known for his piano music. This short Naxos series focuses on the composer's little known orchestral music, and features performers from Barcelona. They are a fine sounding orchestra, and the singers add a little zing to the proceedings.

Otherwise, while it is all pleasant music with airy exoticisms, I am not convinced this is great music, at least not yet. But one can hardly fault these players, for its all sounds so lovely.

A review from 2024

This is the first of a trio of Naxos recordings dedicated to the orchestral music of Spanish composer Enrique Granados.

 

In general, I find Granados’ music light and airy here, with a gentle lilt. There is some bluster, particularly in the opening cinematic March, but most of the music sound of serenades with woodwinds coloring the musical breezes. As a bit of contrast, I am delighted to hear the Barcelona Madrigal Choir being integrated into the Torrijos incidental music, it too being a work of rather willowy textures.

 

Granados certainly spent much time in Barcelona, so it only seems appropriate for these Barcelona ensembles to set the composer’s little-known compositions to record. They are all polished sounding and Naxos provides a clear soundscape.

 

I am not yet convinced this is great music, but I would be lying if I didn’t find it enjoyable all the same.

 

 Listen on YouTube

 

Works
March of the Defeated (7.03)
Torrijos (17.28)
Suite on Galician Songs (30.17)

Performers
Cor Madrigal
Barcelona Symphony Orchestra
Pablo González, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2016
Total Timing: 54.47

 

 

Beautiful sounding music, but little which makes it all stick to my bones.

Still, I want to try more...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Granados recordings HERE!