The trotting of horses and water: this is how ‘Ainadamar’ opens. These natural sounds give way to Spanish guitar, cajón and throaty flamenco singing mixed with opera: an overwhelming combination. A Spanish perfume wafts through the entire score.
Based on this music, Osvaldo Golijov tells a tale of friendship between Federico García Lorca and his muse and friend, the actress Margarita Xirgu.
‘Ainadamar’, which means ‘fountain of tears’ in Arabic, is told in reverse chronological order, and includes García Lorca’s opposition to the fascists in Spain, the beginning of the Civil War and the writer’s execution. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of these two tragic events.
The recording of this opera on Deutche Grammphone earned Golijov two Grammy awards. It features several of the singers who will be performing it for the first time in this country at the Teatro Real: the mezzo-soprano Kelly O’Connor in the role of García Lorca, Jessica Rivera as Margarita Xirgu and Jesús Montoya as Ruíz Alonso.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of a contemporary opera of almost surrealistic beauty.
