The resurgence of a masterpiece
Last Tuesday, the Oratory of Sant Felip Neri hosted a remarkable musical event with the presentation of ‘El regreso del hijo Prodigo’, a work by Carles Baguer that goes back to 1814, the year in which it was first performed. The call attracted a considerable audience, reflecting the renewed interest in classical music and Catalan cultural heritage.
A careful edition and a memorable concert
The interpretation was in charge of the renowned Eve of Arnadí, along with the Francesc Valls choir of the Cathedral of Barcelona. The score, which is preserved in original manuscripts in the Library of Catalonia and the Garrotxa County Archive, has been meticulously edited by Lluís Bertran, an ancient music expert. In addition, Gaston Gilabert, a professor at the University of Barcelona, participated in the edition of the book, thus providing a new dimension to the work.
A History start: Old Lights Festival
This performance marked the beginning of the seventh edition of the Llums de Old Festival in the Auditorium, an event that seeks to revitalize ancient music and position Barcelona as an epicenter of classical and lyrical music. The initiative is part of the sixth Barcelona Opening Ciutat de Classic Festival, with the aim of consolidating the city as a cultural capital.
A journey to the past with an authentic sound
Directed by harpsichord Dani Espasa, the orchestra recreated the original sound of the work using historical instruments, a practice that allows viewers to experience music as it was conceived in their day. Vespres d’Arnadí, recognized for his specialization in ancient music, offered a high-level performance, with the support of the Francesc Valls Choir, directed by Carles Prat, and a group of prominent soloists such as Mireia Tarragó and Pablo García-López.
Carles Baguer: The Forgotten Composer
Carles Baguer, who lived between 1768 and 1808, was an organist of the Cathedral of Barcelona and is considered one of the most important composers of Catalan classicism. Although their symphonies are recognized, their contribution to the oratory has been overshadowed. ‘The regreso of the Prodigo Hi’ was composed in a turbulent historical context, with the Napoleonic invasion that interrupted its initial premiere.
A necessary recovery
The premiere of this oratory not only represents a tribute to Baguer, but also marks an important step in the recovery of more than 200 Catalan oratories that have fallen into oblivion. Thanks to the Deepmusic project, promoted by the Complutense Institute of Music Sciences and funded by institutions such as the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, work is underway to rescue this valuable musical heritage.
A promising future for ancient music
The revitalization of works such as ‘The Recreso del Hijo Prodigo’ not only enriches the current music scene, but also opens the door to a new appreciation of ancient music. With initiatives like these, Barcelona is positioned to be a leader in the preservation and promotion of its rich musical tradition.
