Cristobal Halffter

Debla

Debla is originally a flamenco term for a form of song. It is characterised for always being vocal and unaccompanied. lts wide melismas rise in tension until reaching a climax; at this moment the singer often beats his knee in regular and inflexible time. The high technical degree of difficulty of the work has made it habitual in examinations, competitions of virtuosity, etc. But Halffter's talent lies in composing a work of great difficulty without ever losing its human content and expressiveness, which is characterised in all his work. Debla, dedicated to Maria Halffter, was first performed by her in Montepulciano in August 1980. The high technical degree of difficulty of this work has made it habitual in examinations, competitions of virtuosity, etc.