LA TIRANA CONTRA MAMBRÚ

The tonadilla and popular musical comedies
in Spain c.1800

La Tirana del Trípili
Blas de Laserna (1751-1816)

El desengañado
Blas de Laserna

Los payos del Malbrú
Pablo Esteve (c.1730-c.1801)

No aparece la Tirana
Blas de Laserna

La cantada vida y muerte del General Malbrú
Jacinto Valledor (1744-1809)

La Tirana se despide
Blas de Laserna

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About this CD

What was the musical soundtrack for the ordinary people of Spain at the turn of the 18th century, when Goya was painting his masterpieces and foreign influences (epitomized by the figure of Mambrú on this recording) were raining down on the country from all sorts of different directions? A dramatic form, the tonadilla, which acted as the gossip column of the day whilst attracting the leading composers of the age, powerfully caught the mood of the times and made household names of its star singers. Starting off as short intermezzos performed during the intervals of theatre plays, the tonadillas evolved into mini operas, reflecting in a critically humorous manner the trials and tribulations as well as the joys of everyday life as seen through a whole host of memorable traditional Spanish characters.

Directing El Concierto Español, Emilio Moreno expertly captures the spirit of the characterful musical maze ahead that is populated by the fandango, zorongo, caballo, jopeo and especially the tirana - the bustling, vigorous Spanish dance form which brought the crowds into the theatres for performance after performance. And to assume the roles of those Enlightenment pop heroes in Spain Moreno - as our modernday maestro de baile - is joined by the versatile singing talents of Raquel Andueza, Marta Infante, Juan Sancho and Jordi Ricart.