LA VALL DE LA MURTA

This work was commissed by the Alzira SM and A. Crespo, who performed it at the CIBM in 2002. Since then it has been performed and recorded in numerous countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Holland, Germany and Singapore.

It is a remarkable descriptive piece, the product of a visit to the valley by the author.

The first movement is divided into 2 sections: Les Serres and L'Incendi. The mountains reflected are the Cavall Bernat and Les Agulles. The first, with its noble, tranquil, grandiose and solemn appearance, will be one of the most important elements as its theme will reappear cyclically in the evolution of the work. The second is a significant contrast because its appearance (rough, pointed, sharp, multiform) is radically different. Finally we have a recreation of the the worst fire to occur in this unique landscape, that of 1983.

The second movement is inspired by the archeological jewel of the valley: the Monestir. The initial atmosphere of religious reflection gives way to the progressive edification of this modest, but no less valuable for it, historical treasure. In some way this landscape evokes the progression from the first hermitages to the establishment of the Order of Saint Jerome in 1401. It concludes with the redevelopment of the audible image of the monks praying peacefully in the cloisters.

The final movement also has two parts. First, to the rhythm of djembes, the feared Moorish Pirates appear, who used to frequent the coast during the years of Muslim rule; with their departure the monastic retreat sounds once again. The second part opens with a brilliant fanfare which indicates the arrival of the most illustrious personage to visit the place, King Felipe II. It is the year 1586, one of the moments of greatest splendour, and such is the pomp of the event that a new bridge, the Pont de Pedra, was built to allow the royal carraiges to access the monastery.