Torrandell, Debussy and Samper

Inca / PalmaTomeu Moll-Mas, along with Caterina Alorda in his first performance and with Marta Bauzà and Roger Padullés in the second, within a few days of each other, interpreted and in a way revived the works of Antoni Torrandell and Baltasar Samper, two Mallorcan composers and contemporaries of undisputed quality and significance. These are not the only similarities, since, in addition to being Mallorcan and contemporaries, both were highly accomplished pianists who sought much of the inspiration and influence in Paris, after many hours of study, that they could not find at home. Perhaps, almost certainly, because the island had become too small for them, but this is another story that would even merit, especially in the case of Samper, a documentary. What is important and significant is to shed light on these unjustly forgotten scores. A light that, in Torrandell's case, shone in his hometown of Inca, at the Teatre Principal, where Tomeu Moll, with good judgment, in this concert entitled Torrandell and Debussy!, She not only performed some of her pieces, specifically three more as an encore, but also complemented them with the Prints and The joyous isleClaude Debussy's work, as if making a comparison, to demonstrate the striking parallels between the two. Furthermore, if any piece, due to its difficulty, could be singled out above the others, it would be the third movement of the first. The gardens pay the rain, of superb quality, and which, moreover, was premiered in its day by Ricard Viñes, Torrandell's master of virtuosity. And Moll-Mas performed Torrandell's work. Splendeur du printemos op. 9, Enchantements mistérieux op. 13, Chimere Op 26 and Son Alcalde op. 46. It was on the third one, Chimere.For reciter and piano, A recording exists of Joan Moll and Biel Mesquida, in which Caterina Alorda recited the beautiful and enchanting poem, accompanied by piano, providing a backdrop that amplified the value and meaning of the words. A magical moment. Moll-Mas, for his part, added this essential thread of sensible energy to transform the evening into much more than a well-deserved tribute, with a screen serving as a fitting backdrop, where the pianist's hands could be seen at many points. Added value.

The long-awaited concert dedicated to Baltasar Samper took place at the Principal Theatre in Palma, specifically for the presentation of the album recorded by the three artists. A glimpse into the potential of the man who left Mallorca, first for Barcelona, ​​then Paris, and finally Mexico. A small but stimulating collection of his songs, with lyrics by some of the most important poets of the time, such as Josep Maria de Sagarra, Maria Antònia Salvà, Apel·les Mestres, Miquel Ferrà, Josep Carner and Joan Alcover, among others, as well as a journey that ranges from Cries, from 1915 until the Seven songs on poems by Conrad F. Meyer, From 1940. Another great way to enjoy his versatile and far-reaching musical journey, as well as the essential need to rediscover and program our composers, not so much to commemorate a centenary or any other event, but with the naturalness and frequency that their compositions deserve. Marta Bauzà displayed vibrant colors and daring, while Padullés's contributions were marked by remarkable restraint. Two quite different singing styles that undoubtedly enriched a concert rounded off by Moll-Mas with the essential precision that this type of piece requires.