RACCONTO Divertimento for Symphonic Band by SALVADOR SEBASTIÀ LOPEZ (Spain, 1984)

WASBE Marcom
Sep 28
3 min read

Premiered by Sociedad Musical La Artística de Buñol conducted by Mario Ortuño Gelardo

on 16 April 2022 in Buñol, Spain

Racconto, by Spanish composer and conductor Salvador Sebastià Lopez is our Composition of the Week.

Racconto was written and dedicated to the « Sociedad Musical La Artística de Buñol » and was premiered by this ensemble under Mario Ortuño Gelardo on April 16, 2022, at the Teatro Montercarlo, in Buñol, Spain.

Racconto is a captivating four-part divertimento that takes the audience on a journey from the preparation for a musical performance to the actual interpretation on stage. This piece highlights the essence of an Italian-style theater, creating an immersive experience that transports the audience to different times, spaces, and actions.

The work begins with an Introduction, which acts as a time tunnel, moving us from the bustling theater lobby to the timeless world of a musical performance. This transition is marked by a leitmotif representing the stage, the audience, and the artistic message, with a subtle nod to the theme of "Cinema Paradiso."

Preludiando takes us back to 1953, celebrating two significant events : the National Theater Award for "Tres Sombreros de Copa" by Miguel de Mihura and the inauguration of the Montecarlo Theater by the Musical Society "La Artística" of Buñol. This section uses a waltz to metaphorically blend the cultured and the popular, representing the dialogues of "Tres Sombreros de Copa."

Nocturno is a dreamlike interlude behind the scenes, capturing moments of reflection and stillness before the performance. The music evokes memories of the past and the preparation for the concert.

Concertante y Coral brings us to the present moment of the performance. "Concertante" showcases the musicians' ability to engage in dialogue, while the final "Coral" symbolizes unity through harmonious sound.

« Composed to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Montecarlo Theater's inauguration, "Racconto" is dedicated to all those who have selflessly contributed to this dreamlike architecture, and especially to Mario Ortuño, director of the Musical Society "La Artística" of Buñol, for his outstanding artistic work. » Program Notes by Salvador Sebastià

Raconto has a duration of around 15 minutes. It is scored for a standard spanish symphonic band setting, including flugelhorns, cello and double bass, and four percussion parts, with optional English Horn and Contrabass Clarinet.

The music is availalble at « Tot per l’Aire »

Salvador Sebastià was born in Burriana, province of Castellón Spain. He earned 7 superior degrees at the “Joaquín Rodrigo” Conservatory of Music of Valencia, with an Honorary Award in Composition. He studied conducting with renowned maestros, and perfected his symphonic and operatic conducting studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena during the summers fo 2000 and 2001, winning first prize and performing in the closing concerts at the Teatro Rinnovati.

He has been the principal conductor of the Municipal Band of Palma (2013-2016) ; conducting professor at the “Salvador Seguí” Superior Conservatory of Castellón (2005-2013) ; principal conductor of the Band and Orchestra of the S.M.I. Santa Cecilia of Cullera (2001-2013), with which he won the First Prize and Honorary Mention at the International Band Contest of Valencia in the Honor Section in 2002, 2004, and 2007.

In 2002, he has been appointed as conducting faculty at the Music and Performing Arts Corps of the Generalitat Valenciana.

Salvador Sebastià serves currently as conducting faculty at the “Francesc Peñarroja” Professional Conservatory of Vall d’Uixó.

As a composer, his notable works include the Orchestral Rondo for Band “BoDEGA” (2019) and “Preludi per un aniversari.” He has also composed “El Luthier de Venecia” for cello and wind/percussion ensemble, and the pasodobles “Oirasor” and “Consuelo García.”

As a guest conductor, he has led numerous prestigious bands and orchestras, including the Municipal Bands of Barcelona and Castellón, the Symphonic Bands of La Rioja and Tarragona, the Valencia Orchestra, the Castellón Symphony, and international ensembles such as the West Bohemian Symphony (Czech Republic) and the Classical Orchestra of Mexico.

Other works for band include :

• BoDEGA, for Symphonic Band

• Preludi per un aniversari

• La Leyenda de la Malinche

• El luthier de Venecia (cello and winds)

• Oirasor (pasodoble)

• Consuelo García (pasodoble)

• Al soci cecilià (pasodoble)