Estampes de Mallorca (Prints of Mallorca)

The piece was composed during the months of May and June, 2008. It is divided into three independent movements. Joana M. Coll suggested that I use traditional material from Mallorca, and these Prints of Mallorca were thus conceived. The work seeks to recreate three different landscapes of our island through the use of the popular musical idiom.

By the sea, written in sonata form, presents a first theme which is derived from So de Pastera and a second theme from A la vorera de la mar. The piece begins with a calm ambiance marked by the tremolos. The second theme is much more cheerful and active. A brief development of the former thematic elements leads to the re-exposition of the themes in reverse order, ending with the serenity of the beginning.

Farm life is very lyrical, with a predominance of broad melodies. The intention here is to present a scene from country life. I have therefore used a main theme extracted from Tonada de Vermar. Several motifs of the Parado de Valldemossa appear here as secondary material, freely treated in minor keys.

Festivities is a rhythmic and light end in the rondo style. The principal theme originates from the Carnaval song Cançó dels darrers dies with a certain mixolidian flavour. A second section then appears which recreates motifs of the song Sant Antoni i el Dimoni. A slower and more expressive middle part develops and mixes the previous elements, leading to a shorter re-exposition.

                                                                                                                          David León Fioravanti