Fernando Sor's Fantaisie Villageoise is a composition of distinct character and it was dedicated to his friend and also renowned Spanish guitarist, Diosnisio Aguado. It adopts a programmatic style, unfolding a narrative akin to a story. Picture, if you will, a rustic village scene where, at a certain juncture, the populace is summoned to engage in a lively dance.
This spirited and dynamic dance, however, finds an abrupt pause as the resonating tones of a bell beckon the community to prayer. The prayer unfolds into a captivating melody, initially presented in the monodic fashion. Sor employs a technique where the same note is played on two strings simultaneously, enhancing the evocative quality of the monody
This melody resurfaces, this time transformed into a four-voice choir. As the alternation between monody and choir repeats, the prayer's serenity is momentarily disrupted by the insistent return of the dance, eager to seize control. Ultimately, the spiritual essence triumphs over terrestrial temptation.
The composition concludes with a gentle resonance of bells, serving as a lingering echo of the prayer, and a final delicate chord in pianissimo, elevating the musical voice toward the heavens. Truly, a masterpiece to be savoured!
Enjoy the enchanting journey!
Copyright for the video @xavierdiazlatorre
Copyright for the score @publicdomain
Historical guitar by Blaise le Jeune, ca. 1840-1850.
Sound Xavier Díaz-Latorre
Camera Borut Bučinel
Edition Xavier Díaz-Latorre & Tanja Skok
Recorded at the Palazzo Besenghi degli Ughi
SPECIAL THX TO
Glasbena Šola Koper - Podružnica Izola, Slovenja
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