Concert catalanesc

Flowing and agile

Slow and evocative 

In “sardana” tempo

This work was written during the winter of 2006 and was commissioned by the Federació Sardanista de Catalunya. The sound and expressive possibilities of the tenora have always captivated me. As a catalan, I confess that when I hear a melody played by the tenora I get  goose-pimples, and something stirs deep within me that reminds me of my identity.

Associated with the cobla, the tenora has had little opportunity to develop as an autonomous instrument. However, due to technical improvements, its presence in music conservatoires, and the work of notable performers, it now has a more optimistic future.

I have written this concerto with the idea of composing a genuinely catalan piece, particularly using popular melodies and songs known by many Catalan people. It is basically a tonal, fresh, and emotive piece that any Catalan can identify with. The sound of the tenora has led me to combine popular melodies and to write an open, cheerful and intense concerto.

(Salvador Brotons)