Spanish Song Companion

This book, the first of its kind to be published in English, introduces the reader to the rich heritage of Spanish song. Here in one volume are the texts of over 300 songs with parallel translations in accurate and readable English. The majority are love poems, which form a fascinating anthology of Spanish poetry from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. The introduction by Graham Johnson, who in recent years has done more than anyone to kindle interest in the international song repertoire, traces the history of Spanish song from its beginnings, via the period of the Catholic kings in the fifteenth century, the Golden Age of the sixteenth, through to the remarkable rebirth in the twentieth century.

All the songs and cycles frequently heard in recital are gathered here: Albeniz, Falla, Granados, Rodrigo and Obradors are generously represented, as well as Catalan composers such as Montsalvatge and Mompou. The volume is arranged chronologically by composer, and includes notes on all the major poets and composers, a discography, and names and addresses of the music publishers. The Spanish Song Companion is a much-needed volume and will be welcomed by singers, students of Spanish literature, concert-goers and record-collectors throughout the English-speaking world.

Richard Stokes is author of J.S. Bach: The Complete Cantatas (Scarecrow Press, 2004), The Book of Lieder (Faber and Faber, 2005), and co-author of A French Song Companion, with Graham Johnson (OUP, 2000).

Jacqueline Cockburn is Head of History of Art at Westminster School, and an associated lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London.