The lectures by musicologist and pianist Giovanni Bietti have become one of the most anticipated and unmissable events of the Cartagena Music Festival. This year, the talks (illustrated by Bietti’s own piano performances) will offer an immersive journey into The Song of the Sea, providing a deeper and clearer understanding of this repertoire.

From January 4 to 11, Bietti, recognized as one of Italy’s finest musical lecturers, will delve into the fascinating repertoire of the Iberian Peninsula featured in the festival’s program.

On January 9, the focus will shift to Colombia’s repertoire. This session will be led by Jaime Andrés Monsalve B., Music Director of Radio Nacional, and will feature Colombian pianist and composer Mauricio Arias-Esguerra.

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January 4

Introduction to the repertoire of The Song of the Sea. A journey through the emblematic works of the four great pillars of Spanish music: Albéniz, Granados, De Falla, and Turina. The session will also address the influence of the Iberian Peninsula on foreign composers, such as the Frenchman Georges Bizet.

January 5

The Catalan composer Enrique Granados has emerged as one of the cornerstones of Spanish music at the turn of the 20th century. A remarkable pianist, his solo piano masterpiece is Goyescas: Los majos enamorados. This session will also explore his chamber and orchestral works.

January 6

One of the most important piano suites of the 20th century is Iberia, composed by Isaac Albéniz. This masterpiece evokes various places and scenes of Spain, serving as inspiration for many of his contemporaries.

January 7

Iberian music profoundly influenced the Tuscan composer and cellist Luigi Boccherini, to the extent that he incorporated the Spanish guitar into his pieces. His Fandango Quintet highlights the impact of Spanish rhythms and folk dances on European music of the time, showcasing Spain as a source of inspiration in his work.

January 8

Manuel de Falla, a disciple and friend of Albéniz, will be the focus of this session. Works like Nights in the Gardens of Spain and El amor brujo reflect his mastery in blending folkloric elements with an impressionistic style. The session will also explore the legacy of several Portuguese composers.

January 9

This session will analyze the contributions of composers such as Antonio María Valencia, Jaime León Fierro, Adolfo Mejía, and Luis Carlos Figueroa, among others, to the development of Colombian music, highlighting their ability to merge European traditions with national sonic roots.

Guests: Jaime Andrés Monsalve B. and Mauricio Arias-Esguerra

January 10

Spain and its music profoundly influenced European composers, inspiring works like Carmen by Bizet and Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov. Flamenco and popular dances evoked an image of passion and exoticism in Europe. Composers like Debussy and Ravel reinterpreted its essence, leaving a universal legacy.

January 11

Although Gioacchino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville does not include Spanish music, its setting and the composer’s connection to Spain provide the perfect closing for this series of lectures.