La Fragua De Vulcano By Morales-Caso For Spanish Guitar

Music has the ability to transcend most elements of communication to speak directly to the core emotion of the soul. This defining quality has even more power when the imagination is stirred in the listener by a direction toward which the feelings sensed are trying to express. One of the great characteristics of the composer Eduardo Morales-Caso’s Spanish guitar work La Fragua De Vulcano based on the artwork of the same name.

About La Fragua De Vulcano For Spanish Guitar

The painting by Diego de Velázquez depicts the moment when the god Apollo, identifiable by the crown of laurel on his head, visits Vulcan, who is found making weapons for war. The god Apollo tells Vulcan that his wife, Venus, is having an affair with Mars, the god of war. It is even worse that Vulcan is forging armor for Mars at the moment he hears this terrible news. Other figures in the room are looking on in surprise at the god who has just appeared before them, some of them even opening their mouths to indicate surprise.

Historians place the completion of this Velázquez painting in the year 1630. The painting is a part of the collection of the Museo del Prado, in Madrid. Therefore, we must settle for seeing it online without going to Madrid and connect the emotional intentions of Morales-Caso to his music.

Identify With The Emotions

Take a moment and observe the image of the painting before listening to the the video performance. Examine the faces and the reactions to the news that Apollo has just delivered. Imagine yourself in the position of Vulcan. Feel the emotions within as you tap into your humanity. Pay attention to the anger, bitterness, and confusion that you would feel. Even, if it happened to you today (obviously not with gods). Obviously, no one would want this to happen. However, imagine it because you will begin to identify with the story and the emotions.

Immerse Yourself Into The Music

After a good long look and introspective view, close the image and click the play button to the YouTube video. The performer is the great artist Adam Levin. He has become one of my favorite interpreters of guitar music over the past few years. You will hear his view on the piece and work with the composer. I especially like the advice given to him by the composer about how to interpret the piece by telling him, “You have blood in your veins.” Now click the play button and listen a few times with the thoughts of the artwork and story in your mind and emotion.

Help support Adam by purchasing his recording of this and other great works on the album 21st Century Spanish Guitar, Vol. 1.