Falla represents both the culmination of Spanish nationalism and the instigation of Spanish modernism. His works are divided into four periods: to 1907, student years and the emergence of national feelings; 1907-1914, Paris influences; 1914-1919, climax of nationalistic tendencies; and 1920-1946, move away from nationalism to new forms based on the Spanish classical tradition. In the first two periods, represented by works such as El amor brujo and the Three-Cornered Hat, Falla demonstrated the possibilities for incorporating Andalusian folk music, of whose Byzantine, Moorish, and gypsy influences he made an extensive study. In the last period, his preoccupation with the realization of the national spirit gave way to a more severe classical idiom, represented by works such as El retablo de Maese Pedro and the Harpsichord Concerto, which incorporated music from the Spanish Renaissance.

Works: Falla: El amor brujo (26-27), Three-Cornered Hat (27-28), Nights in the Gardens of Spain (28-29), El retablo de Maese Pedro (28), Harpsichord Concerto (28), L'Atlantida (28-29).

Index Classifications: 1900s

Contributed by: Amy Weller