Ferrer Ferran

Almansa (Al-Manzah)

Almansa was commissioned by the Sociedad Unión Musical de Almansa (Almansa Music Union Society), in the Albacete province of Spain, to mark the 150th anniversary of the band (1858-2008). The piece was premiered on 29 November 2008 at Almansa's Teatro Regio by the dedicatee orchestra under the baton of its conductor, Juan Manuel Alarcón. Al-Manzah, nowadays called Almansa, is a town of Muslim origin. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-mansah, meaning 'the watchtower'. On a rocky peak above the town stands an impressive castle from where it is possible to admire the Spanish Levant (the Mediterranean coast of the Valencian region) from the Meseta (a high plateau in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula). This symphonic episode opens with a gentle melody played by the oboe before developing gradually throughout the piece. This melody is based on the contemporary name of the town, Almansa: Al (La = A) - M (Mi = E) - A (La = A) - N (Do# = C#) - S (Si = B) - A (La = A). An entertaining ballad built upon an asymmetrical meter in 5/8 leads to a singing motif and a pleasant harmony. The beginning of an Arabic dance leads to a great Moorish march, one of conquest. The recapitulation of the opening theme brings a final touch to the traditional Hispanic character of this musical episode. This is a delightful and festive piece which is both pleasant to listen to and exciting to play. This work is dedicated to the members of the Sociedad Unión Musical de Almansa and its director, Juan Manuel Alarcón, in recognition of his success and musical talent.