Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat”, Suite No. 2
Notes by TŌN bassist Shion Kim
Manuel de Falla is recognized as one of the most important Spanish composers of the early twentieth century, as well as an accomplished pianist. The influence of Impressionism, particularly Debussy and Ravel, a neoclassical sense of structure, and the clarity of Renaissance polyphony is evident throughout his works. Although his musical language evolved over time, certain elements remained constant, such as driving rhythms, vivid orchestral color, and the unmistakable character of Spanish idioms and dance traditions.
Among his works, The Three-Cornered Hat stands out as a masterpiece. The ballet is based on the novella of the same name by nineteenth-century writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón. It premiered in 1919 in London with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, achieving great success. The production is also famous for its collaboration across art forms. Pablo Picasso designed costumes and sets, and Léonide Massine took charge of choreography.
The story takes place in a rural village in southern Spain and centers around a flirtatious farce involving a beautiful miller’s wife, the local magistrate who is symbolized by the “three-cornered hat”, and the jealous miller. The magistrate’s clumsy attempts to woo the miller’s wife repeatedly fail, and he ultimately ends up humiliated by the villagers with an ending full of humor and spirited satire.
Seguidillas, pasacalles, farruca, and jota appear either in their authentic forms or in transformed versions. Notably, the miller’s farruca in Act II captures the dark, intense character of flamenco. The final jota features brass glissandos and percussion depicting the chaotic and festive climax of the plot. As I listened to the music, it felt as though I were standing at a festival in Spain. The piece carried the passionate spirit of the country, the subtle colors of France that Falla absorbed during his years in Paris, and a neoclassical style that was vibrant, familiar, and yet intriguingly foreign. I hope you will join us in experiencing the exotic immediacy and delight that Falla’s music offers.