Federico Moreno Torroba - Sonatina, III. Allegro

Classical Guitarist Steven Saulls Performing Works by J.S. Bach, Manuel Ponce, and Federico Moreno Torroba.

About the composer and the music...

Federico Moreno Torroba (1891–1982) was a Spanish composer, conductor, and impresario celebrated for his profound contributions to the classical guitar repertoire and as one of the last masters of the Spanish lyrical opera form, the zarzuela. He was an influential figure in Spanish musical culture for over 60 years.

Torroba is best known internationally for his work written for the guitar, even though he was not a guitarist himself. His prolific output for the instrument was largely thanks to his friendship with the legendary guitarist Andrés Segovia, who encouraged him and other composers to expand the guitar's repertoire.

In Spain, Torroba was revered for his stage works, particularly his nearly 80 zarzuelas, a genre of Spanish light opera that combines musical and spoken parts. His 1932 zarzuela, Luisa Fernanda, remains a popular and enduring work. Torroba had a distinguished career as a conductor and theatrical impresario, managing several opera companies that toured extensively, especially in Latin America. Among the singers who worked with his company in the 1940s were the parents of the renowned tenor Plácido Domingo. After Manuel de Falla, Torroba was considered one of the most important and influential musicians in Spain. He held prestigious positions, including the presidency of the General Society of Authors and Editors.

Federico Moreno Torroba's Sonatina is a three-movement work for solo classical guitar composed in 1965. It is considered a staple of the classical guitar repertoire and was fingered by the legendary guitarist Andrés Segovia.

The Sonatina follows the traditional fast-slow-fast movement structure.

I. Allegretto: This movement is written in a condensed sonata form and is set in the key of A major. It features a joyous and vibrant rhythmic pattern that recurs throughout the piece.

II. Andante: The middle movement showcases the composer's skill for lyricism with a romantic, quintessential Spanish melody.

III. Allegro: Returning to the vibrant energy of the opening movement, the final movement brings the piece to a lively conclusion.

Though composed in the 20th century, the Sonatina has a harmonic language that evokes the late 19th century. It features complex harmonies with influences from jazz and impressionism but maintains a strong foundation in Spanish folk music. Moreno Torroba also takes advantage of the guitar's dynamic range and unique tonal colors to add variety to the piece.

About the performer...

Steven began studying the guitar at age nine and has attended some of the finest music schools in the world including the Berklee College of Music (Boston), and the Mozarteum (Salzburg, Austria). He holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University (1980) and a Master of Music degree from the University of Arizona (1982).

Over the past 40 years, Steven has performed hundreds of concerts throughout the United States, Central & South America and Europe. His recordings 'Modern Music for the Classical Guitar', ‘Espressivo’, and ‘Classical Guitarist Steven Saulls Performing Works by J.S. Bach, Manuel Ponce, and Federico Moreno Torroba’ have received wide acclaim both nationally and internationally. In addition to solo concerts, he has performed over 200 chamber works including guitar concerti (with orchestra) by Vivaldi, Ponce and Rodrigo.

About the recording...

Recorded at the Sound Factory, Tucson, Arizona 1992/ Engineer: Steve English/ Guitar handcrafted by John Gilbert/ Copyright permission secured: Peer International Corp., European American Music Distribution Corp. & Associated Music Publishers Inc./ Copyright 1992 Mana Music, Tucson, AZ.

Copyright© 2023 Steven Saulls, Sahuarita, Arizona