Leonardo
Balada
115FAUST-BAL
(2007)
Arrangement : Opera
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : grand opera in two acts comm. by Teatro Real of Madrid. Librettist, Fernando Arrabal. Premiere in February 2009.(A surrealist 21th C. interpretation of the classical Faust)
114UNA PEQUEÑA MÚSICA NOCTURNA EN HARLEM
(2006)
12’
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered by Budapest Chmaber Symphony Orchestra, Alberto Santana, cond. on 21st September 2007.
Comments : Based on Little Night Music of W.A. Mozart. For string Orchestra
113CONCIERTO PARA TRES VIOLONCHELOS Y ORQUESTA - CONCIERTO ALEMÁN.
Concierto alemán
(2006)
ca. 2’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Premiere Oct. 28th 2007 by the Berlin Radio Sym. Orch,. at Philharmonie Hall, Berlin.
Comments : A german concerto. This concerto has an evolutionary form and conveys an emotional picture of 20th Century Germany. Based on a German song, there is drama and tragedy at the beginning but gradually it evolves into an ultimate triumph of the spirit.
112CAPRICHOS Nº4 para contrabajo y orquesta de cámara
(2006)
Arrangement : Chamber orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Premiere 27th march 2008 by the Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra, Jeff Turner, dir.Comissioned by PAC.
Comments : For chamber for bass and chamber orchestra. Modern work which uses jazz elements and negro spirituals.
111ADAGIO Nº1 para violín
(2006)
ca. 5’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : Solo violin
Based on a Negro Spiritual.
110VOCES Nº 2
(2006)
8’
Arrangement : Mixed choir
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : World premiere July 2006 by Coral de Cámara de Pamplona.
Comments : Chorus a cappella
A fantasy on an Indian-American chant.
109SPIRITUAL
(2006)
ca. 1’
Arrangement : Duet
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : For Cello & Piano. Slow piece, like a lament, based on a Negro-Spiritual
108SINFONÍA Nº 6- SINFONÍA DE LAS PENAS
Sinfonía de las penas
(2005)
22’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Commissioned by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra & National of Catalonia (Prem. Feb. 2006 by the Barcelona Sym. Orch. Salvador Mas-Conde cond.)
Comments : Symphony No. 6 - Symphony of Sorrows (dedicated to the innocent victims of the Spanish Civil War) A symphony that depicts the physical and psychological drama of a tragedy. The use as motifs of two hymns, symbols of the two fighting sides, “Cara al Sol” and “El Himno de Riego” adds identity and drama to the work.)
(2-3-2-2; 4-3-3-1; Timp; Perc.(4); Pno.; Hrp; Strgs) (Publ. Beteca Music)
“ …the work proceeds at an imposing rhythm of a march…The two melodies oppose each other, they fight with violent contrasts and rich textures…The work left us astonished.” : El Pais, Spain;
“…the music does not have a feeling of sadness but it is like a commemoration as it would be with a monument; it does not go inwards but creates an impact through volume and sonorities.”: La Vanguardia, Spain.
107CAPRICHOS Nº 3 para violín y orquesta de cámara
Dedicada a les Brigades Internacionals
(2005)
23’
Arrangement : Chamber orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Prem. Nov. 2005 by Andres Cardenes violin and the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra.
Comments : This work is dedicated to the International Brigades.For violin and chamber orchestra consists of five short movements inspired by Spanish, German and Irish folk melodies sang by the international volunteers that went to fight against the rebellious forces of general Franco in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39.
(1 Trp., 1 Percuss., Strgs)
“…Balada’s strong rhythmic drive and timbral creativity are strengths through his new work”. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
“Balada’s highly successful sojourns into combining folk and abstract music techniques were evident here.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
106CAPRICHOS Nº 2 para violín y orquesta de cuerda
o Cuarteto de Cuerda- y Arpa.
(2004)
20’
Arrangement : Chamber orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : CAPRICHOS No. 2 ( for solo Violin, String Orch.-or String Quartet- and Harp.
A suite of three Latino American dances: I- Samba, II-Tango, III-Jarabe
105ADAGIO Nº. 2 para violín
(2004)
ca. 4’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : Solo violin
Based on a catalan folk melody
104CONTRASTES
para piano
(2004)
6’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : Commissioned for the Piano International Competition Ciudad de Jaen of 2005
103CAPRICHOS Nº 2 para Arpa y Cuarteto de cuerda
(2004)
14’
Arrangement : String quartet
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : A suite of three Latino American dances: I- Samba, II-Tango, III-Jarabe
102SINFONIA Nº5 AMERICANA
Sinfonia Americana
(2003)
23’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557749, Real Orq Sin. de Sevilla, E. Alonso-Crespo, dir.
Premiere : Comm. and prem. Pittsburgh Sym. Orch. Hans Graf cond.
Comments : three movements: I-“9/11 In Memoriam, II-“Reflection”, III-”Square Dance”. This symphony evolves from a dramatic-abstract first movement to a meditative Negro-spiritual inspired second and concludes with an uplifting square-dance.
(3-3-3-3;4-3-3-1; perc., pno., hrp.; strgs)
”…an impressive score.” David’s Review Corner-Web.
“Fifth Symphony follows a convincing emotional progression…He has written a fine symphony, and that’s all that need to be said.”- Classics Today
101PRAGUE SIMFONIETTA
(2003)
10’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557749, Real Orq Sinf. de Sevilla, Eduardo Alonso-Crespo, dir.
Premiere : Comm. and prem. Torroella Intern. Festival by the Czech Sinfonietta, Charles McMunroe cond.
Comments : A Mozart symphony transforms itself into a “sardana”, a Catalan folk dance. A surrealist trip.
(2-2-2-1; 2-2-0-0; Timp.; strgs.)
"It’s an especially colourful work, strong naturally on rhythmic zest and powered by some spiky and pleasurable wind textures.”- Classical CD Reviews.
100CAPRICHOS Nº 1 para Guitarra y Orquesta de Cuerda
(2003)
20’
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Commissioned by the Austin Classical Guitar Society. Projected premiere July 2006 by Eliot Fisk guitar and the Miro String Quartet.
Comments : For Guitar and String Orchestra-or String Quartet - (A suite of seven short pieces using folk ideas from Andalusia)
99ADAGIO Nº 1 para violonchelo
(2003)
7’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : For cello
Based on a Negro Spiritual
98EBONY FANTASIES
(2003)
21’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557343, Orq y Coro Com. Madrid, J. R. Encinar, dir.
Premiere : Prem. by Orquesta y Coro Comunidad de Madrid, Lorenzo Ramos cond., Madrid Feb. 2004
Comments : “…Balada adds his characteristic extended orchestral techniques and colors to ‘wrap’ the spirituals in his own personality. The resulting piece, though somewhat ‘odd’ compared to almost any other treatments of spirituals, is a very exciting work.”- Music & Vision Homepage.
97CAPRICHOS Nº 1 para Guitarra y Cuarteto de cuerda
(2003)
20’
Arrangement : Quintet
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : World prem. Feb. 2005 by Eliot Fisk, guit. and the Miró Strg. Quartet, Round Top, Texas
Comments : Suite of seven short pieces using songs of the poet F. Garcia Lorca
96CONCERT PER A VIOLONCEL I ORQUESTRA NÚM. 2 -'NEW ORLEANS'
NEW ORLEANS
(2001)
19’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557049, Barcelona Sym Orch, C. Pearce cond, M. Sanderling, Vc.
Premiere : Premiered March 9-10, 2002 in Berlin by Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Sanderling cello, R. Frühbeck de Burgos cond.
Comments : Virtuoso concerto in two movements, the first a meditative “Negro spiritual”, the second brilliant and jazzy, all in a contemporary language.
(2-2-2-2; 2-2-0-0; 1 perc.; pno.; strings).
Other perf. by Barcelona Sym. Orch. Lluis Claret, cello. Other performances: Neubrandemburg Phil. Orch. (Beteca Music)
95DIONISIO: IN MEMORIAM
(2001)
30’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos 8.570425 (edición en 2008) por Orquesta y Coro Comunidad de Madrid, J.R. Encinar dir.
Premiere : Comm. by the Soria Autumn Festival, prem. 2002.por Orquesta Filarmonica de España
Comments : For Narrator, Chorus and Orchestra
An emotional cantata based on the texts of the poet-politician Dionisio Ridruejo and the writings of Emilio Ruiz.
(2-2-2-2; 3-2-2-0; 4 perc; strings.)
94IRISH DREAMS
(2001)
6’
Arrangement : Band
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Premiere : Comm.& Prem. by the River City Brass Band March 2002
Comments : For brass & perc.
A brilliant surrealistic treatment of several popular Irish folk tunes.
93¿DÓNDE ESTÁ LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS?
(2000)
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : aria for Tenor from opera “C.Columbus“
92ALMIRANTE AHORA COMPRENDO
(2000)
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Editor Beteca music
Comments : all arias for Soprano from opera “C.Columbus“
91ESPAÑA ENSIMISMADA
(2000)
Arrangement : Ensemble (voice(s) and instruments)
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : Aria from the opera “Christopher Columbus”
Arranged for mezzo-soprano, Ob. Cl. 1Vn. 1Va. 1 Vc & Pno.
90MÚSICA PER A FLAUTA I ORQUESTRA
(2000)
21’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.555039. Orq Sim. Barcelona. José Serebrier, dir., Magdalena Martínez, Fl.
Comments : (picc.-2-2-2; 2-2-0-0; perc.(2); pno.; Solo Flute; Strings)
89PASSACAGLIA
(2000)
10’
Arrangement : Chamber orchestra
Editorial : Ed Tritó, s.l. Barcelona CD Naxos Records 8.557049
Premiere : Comm. by the Cadaques Orch.- International Conductor's Competition. Prem. Cadaqués Orch.; Neville Marriner cond. Amer. Prem. by Duquesne Sym. Orch., Sidney Harth cond.
Comments : A work that starts in a solemn, baroque character transforms itself into a popular “pasacalle“).
(2-2-2-2; 2-2-0-0; 1perc.; strgs)
88CONCERT PER A PIANO I ORQUESTRA NÚM. 3
(1999- 2000)
20’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music, CD Naxos Records 8.555039, Orq Sim. Barcelona, José Serebrier, dir., Rosa Torres Pardo, Pf.
Premiere : World premiere, Feb. 12-13 2000, Berlin Radio Sym. Orch., Rafael Fruhbeck cond., Rosa Torres Pardo piano.
A
Comments : modernistic virtuoso work exploring the Spanish pasodoble, Andalusí music and the jota).
(2-2-2-2;3-3-3-1;Timp, perc (4), hrp, pno; Strings)
“Balada…convincingly blends folk music and avant-garde compositional techniques.” Dan Davis, Amazon.com; “…a fascinating listening experience.” Michael Jameso, Classics Today
También interpretada por Orq. Nac. España
87ECHOES
(1998)
6’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca MusicCD Naxos Records 8.554708, véase 'Folk Dreams'.
Premiere : Prem. National Orchestra of Ireland cond. by Colman Pearce
Comments : A brilliant orchestral work in which several Irish melodies are freely presented. It is essencially an Irish jige.).
(1+Picc-2+Eng Hrn-2-2;4-3-3-1;perc.,pno.,hrp.,strgs.)
“Echoes has a chance of entering the standard repertory…colorful and well crafted…its familiar Irish melodies are imaginatively handled.” R. Cummings, Classical Net.
86FOLK DREAMS
(1998)
19’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.554708, Orq Sin. Barcelona, M. Aeschbacher, dir.
Premiere : Prem. National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland cond. by Colman Pearce.
Comments : suite of 3 movements based on folk melodies from Latvia-"Line and Thunder"-from Catalonia-"Shadows"-and from Ireland-"Echoes")
(2-2-2-2;4-3-3-1; perc., pno., hrp.;strgs.)
"...conjures up drifting clouds of intertwined lines, as if recollecting from hazy memory shapes that never quite resolve themselves in recall...the technique proved as effective as ever."- Irish Times, Dublin
85CONCIERTO MÁGICO, para guitarra i orquesta
(1997)
22’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.555039, Orq Sim. Barcelona, José Serebrier, dir., Eliot Fisk, Gui.
Premiere : Comm. Cincinnati Sym. and Hartford Sym. Prem. Cincinnati Symp. Orch. J.López-Cobos cond., Angel Romero guit
Comments : for Guitar and Orch.The poetry and drama of the Spanish Gypsies in a contemporary music setting.
(2-2-2-2;2-2-0-0;2 perc.; pno.; strgs.)
[ Other perf.: Chicago Sinfonietta, P. Freeman cond.; Hartford Sym. M.Lankester cond.; National Orch. Ireland, Colman Pearce cond.]
“an understated blend of modern and traditional sounds, with the guitar given folk-like melodies, and the orchestra responding with a dissonant dialogue...interesting orchestral colors...“ The Cincinnati Enquirer; “ a colorful, demanding and exuberant work...Inspired freely by the music of the Andalusian gypsies, the three - movement work blends modernist colors and sonorities with traditional Spanish idioms.“ The Hartford Courant; The orchestrations are wonderfully imaginative. At times he transforms the orchestra into a giant guitar. At other times, the orchestra simulates the rhythmic clapping of gypsies at a flamenco bash.” Dan Davis, Amazon.com
84THE TOWN OF GREED
El poble de l'avarícia
(1997)
35’
Arrangement : Ensemble (voice(s) and instruments)
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557090,
Premiere : Teatro de la Zarzuela, Madrid, 2007 in english.
Comments : A ‘cartoon’ tragi-comic chamber opera in one act - a sequel to “Hangman,Hangman!“(book by A. Midani and L Balada, libreto by L. Balada in English, Spanish and Catalan).
An irreverent story that makes a strong social-criticism.
(Vn, Cb, Cl, Bassoon, Tpt, Tbn, Pf)
8 instr.- World prem. in Spanish version,
“… brilliantly told parables of predatory capitalism and its consequences
83LA MUERTE DE COLÓN
(1996)
105’
Arrangement : Opera
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : World premiere concert version by Carnegie Mellon Opera conducted by Robert Page, sang by Jon Garrison (Columbus), David Okerlund (Mysterious Character), Judith Jenkins (Queen Isabella).
Comments : grand opera in two acts. Comm. National Endowment for the Arts and Caja de Madrid. (A sequel to “Christopher Columbus“ which starts when Columbus returns to Barcelona after his trip of discovery and ends with his death in Valladolid.) (Text by the composer in Spanish)
82LINE AND THUNDER
(1996)
6’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.554708, vegeu 'Folk Dreams'.
Premiere : Comm. & prem. Pittsburgh Symph. Orch., Mariss Jansons cond
Comments : Short fantasy on a Latvian folk melody, where the simplicity of the beginning turns into a ferocious orchestral statement. .
(2-2-2-2;4-3-3-1; perc., pno., hrp.;strgs.)
“ …striking.” Paul Cook, Classics Today.
81DIARIO DE SUEÑOS
(1995)
22’
Arrangement : Piano trio
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : Comm. CDMC-Madrid Prem. Trio Artis, Encontre Internat. Compositors, Palma Mallorca, Sept. 1997
80SHADOWS
(1995)
7’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.554708, véase 'Folk Dreams'.
Premiere : Comm.& prem. Cincinnati Symph.Orch.J.Lopez-Cobos cond.
Comments : A short work of light and darkness in which a Catalan popular melody is dissected.
(2-2-2-2;4-3-3-1;perc; hrp;strgs)
“A well-crafted play on light and dark...the crowd gave it a stamp of approval.“-The Cincinnati Enquirer;“...wield the instrumental paintbrush splendidly.“-The Cincinnati Post
79AMANECER
(1994)
11’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : MORNING MUSIC
for flute &orchestra
(1-2-2-2; 2-2-0-0; Perc; cuerdas)
78MUSICA PARA OBOE Y ORQ. - LAMENTO EN EL SENO DE LA TIERRA
(1993)
22’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD New World Records 80503-8.
Premiere : Comm.and prem.Pittsburgh Symph. Orch.,Lorin Maazel cond.,C.de Almeida oboist.
Comments : MUSIC FOR OBOE AND ORCH-Lament from the Cradle of the Earth
2-0-2-2;4-3-3-1; timp, perc; pno; hrp; strgs)
[Select. other orch.: Orq. Sim. Xalapa, M. Salazar ob., J.Mester cond. in Mexico City]
“The theme of the work...is the struggle of humanity and nature to co-exist...The music ,however, is nothing short of impressive...Balada has created a masterpiece for an instrument that rarely is given such a vital role.“-Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
77UNION DE LOS OCEANOS
(1993)
9’
Arrangement : Band
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Albany Records Troy 417
Premiere : Premiered in Avilés, Spain
76CANÇÓ I DANSA
(1992)
10’
Arrangement : Band
Editorial : Beteca music CD Albany Records Troy 417
Premiere : Premiered by Carnegie Mellon Wind Ens.
75CELEBRACIÓN
(1992)
13’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.557049, Barcelona Sym. Orch., Colman Pearce dir.
Premiere : prem. Prague Symphony Orchestra. Jiri Belohlavek cond.
Comments : Archaic meditation, followed by modern brilliancy.] Comm. B.Bilbao-Vizcaya-Barcelona,
(2-2-2-2;4-3-3-1; perc; cemb; hrp; strgs)
“A work in which Balada is faithful to himself, with very interesting contrasts between brilliant celebration and serene meditation.“-El Pais-Barcelona
“an arresting fantasia based on tradicional Catalan melodies”-David Hurwitz-Classics Today.com
74Cumbres
(1992)
Arrangement : -
73ESCENAS BORRASCOSAS
(1992)
26’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD New World Records 80498¬-8, Carnegie Mellon Philh. Pittsburgh, J.P. Izquierdo, dir.
Premiere : Comm.CDMC, Madrid. Prem.Alicante International Festival, Spain. National Orch.Spain.
Comments : cantata with text by the composer- for vocal soloists, chorus and orchestra.
Four dramatic scenes in the real and unreal life of Columbus.
"A masterpiece"-Informacion-Alicante
72SIMFONIA Nº4
'LAUSANNE'
(1992)
17’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca MusicaCD Albany Records-Troy 474, Lausanne Chamber Orch. J.López-Cobos, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557342, Orquesta Sinf. de Barcelona, Salvador Mas, dir.
Premiere : Comm. & prem. Lausanne Chamber Orchestra.
Comments : A work blending Swiss folk ideas with ‘avant-garde’ techniques.
(2-2-2-2; 2-2-0-0; timp; pno; strgs)
[Select.perf.other orch.:Cincinnati Chamber Orch,Granada City Orch, Barcelona Sym,National Orch Spain]
“Brilliant and colorful...a musician who utilizes with consummate skill a good many procedures belonging to the most up-to-date language.“-Journal de Geneva & Gazette de Lausanne;“The work won over the public and garnered a definite success.“- 24Heures-Lausanne;“It is a work very well constructed, rich in its instrumental color and with a rhythmic drive that subjugates.“ El Pais-Madrid;“The work, unquestionably surprises, it is inviting, and produces a strange but healthy impact in the mood of the listener.“-La Vanguardia-Barcelona
71CANCIÓN DE CUNA
(1992)
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : Aria from the opera C. Columbus
70COLÓN: IMAGENES PARA ORQUESTA
(1991)
20’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Albany Records-Troy 343, Orq RTV Española, S. Comisiona, dir.
Premiere : prem. Spanish RTV Orchestra.Madrid S.Comissiona cond.;Amer.prem. Hartford Sym
Comments : A colorful four movement work using Spanish folk ideas-in the three first movements- as well as Indian-American ideas in the fourth one. A suite from the opera ’C. Columbus’.] .[Select. perf.other orch.: Tucuman Sym.]
(2-2-2-2;3-3-3-1;perc;cemb;hrp;strgs) (Publ.Beteca Music)
“...the substance is Spanish and the gestures very original....the modernism in Balada is not like any other composer of his time...The success was great.“-El Pais-Madrid; “It’s a large, colorful, evocative
work.“-The Hartford Courant
69DIVERTIMENTOS
(1991)
15’
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Beteca MusicCD Albany Records- Troy 343, CMU Contemp. Ensble., Eduardo Alonso-Crespo, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557749, Real Orq Sinf. de Sevilla, E. Alonso-Crespo dir.
Premiere : Comm. CDMC, Madrid, prem. Royal College of Music String Enble.of London.
Comments : An unusual abstract work for string orchestra, in which a variety of techniques are used.
“A very beautiful score“-La Vanguardia-Barcelona.;“...is simply a marvelous piece.“-Fanfare.
68EN LA ERA
(1989)
10’
Arrangement : Lied
Premiere : Miraflores de la Sierra (Madrid) premiered by A. Kudo, soprano, A. Cardó, Pf.
Comments : Arias for soprano from the opera C.Columbus with texts of Vicente Aleixandre.
67ALEGRIAS
(1987)
7’
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music
66FANTASÍAS SONORAS
(1987)
14’
Arrangement : -
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Naxos Records 8.554708, Orq Sin. Barcelona, M. Aeschbacher, dir.
Premiere : Comm. by Benedum Center Performing Arts, prem. Pittsburgh Symphony.S.Ehrling cond.
Comments : An exploration of sound, with virtuosity writing for the orchestra.]
(3-2-2-2; 4-3-3-1;perc; pno; hrp; strgs)
[Select. perf.other orch.: Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Barcelona Sym]
“(Balada) used his heightened sense of instrumental color to create a vigorous, coherent piece...this music was alive with color and explorations in sound.“-The Philadelphia Inquirer;“The short piece was full of life, energy and the stamp of first-class craftsmanship was on it.“-The Pittsburgh Press;“...full of original orchestral ideas...one could see in the work the personal touch characteristic in Balada’s music.“ -La Vanguardia-Barcelona;“Commissioning a new work (‘Fantasias Sonoras’) from Balada for the formal opening of the Benedum Center was one of the best moves made by the new house.“-Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette; “…an absolute delight.” R. Cummings, Classical Net.
65MÚSICA FOR STRINGS AND FLUTE
(1987)
Arrangement : -
Editorial : Beteca Music
64ZAPATA: IMAGENES PARA ORQUESTA
(1987)
19’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Beteca Music CD Albany Records- Troy 343, Orq Valencia, M. Galduf, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557342, Orquestra Sinf. de Barcelona, Salvador Mas, dir.
Premiere : Comm. & prem. National Orchestra Spain, Walter Weller cond.
Comments : A colorful four movement work using Mexican folk melodies, including ‘la cucaracha’, ‘Adelita’, and ‘Jarabe tapatio’. A suite from the opera ’Zapata’.]
(2-2-2-2;3-3-3-1;perc; hrp; strgs)
(Select. perf.other orch.: Cincinnati Sym., Pittsburgh Sym.,National Orch.Wash.D.C.-selection-,National Orch. of Ireland, Orq. deValencia, Tucuman Sym., Orq Sin. del Estado de Sao Paulo ]
“Exceedingly resourceful display of composition...“-The Cincinnati Post; “...The new work is a delightful discovery, an example of inventive orchestration, tunefulness and directness.“-The Cincinnati Enquirer; “A colorfully-scored scenes of balletic numbers that come across in the present rendition with an infectious immediacy.“-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette;“A colorful work very well written.If the National Orchestra had any good sense would include it in their repertory and would take it on tour.“-Diario 16-Madrid
63REFLEJOS
En dos moviments: I. Penes, II. Alegries
(1987)
17’
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music. CD grab. Albany Records- Troy 343, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, A. Almarza, Fl, A. Bianco, Cb.
Premiere : Prem.- string quintet version - by Atlanta Virtuosi.
Comments : REFLEJOS (Music for String Orchestra and Flute no soloist, in two movements (I. Penas, II. Alegrías)
62CRISTÓBAL COLÓN
(1986)
120’
Arrangement : Opera
Editorial : Beteca Music
Premiere : Prem.Opera House del Liceu, Barcelona with Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe. Comm. Spanish Govmnt.
Comments : Grand opera in two acts comm. by Government Spain (Text by A.Gala, in Spanish) to commemorate the 500 years of the arrival of the Spaniards to the Americas.(The opera depicts the history and passions that lead Columbus to the Indies.). Prem.Opera House del Liceu, Barcelona with Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe. Comm. Spanish Govmnt. This event was covered and reviwed by the principal media from the USA-New York Times, Washington Times, Opera News, International Herald Tribune,CBS-Sunday Morning, Etc-, Europe- Le Monde, Die Welt, Der Rheinische Merku, Il Giornale, The Independent, Le Soir de Bruxelles, Financial Times,Opera Now(London),Opera International (Paris),L’Opera(Milan)Das Oppernwelt (Zurich), Die Buhne (Viena), Ut Mi Sol(Paris) Etc.-, Latinamerica-La Folha de Sao Paulo (Brasil), El Tiempo(Colombia), La Nacion(Argentina), El Dia (Mexico), Galavision, Etc.- (Beteca Music)
“It is a masterpiece...a landmark score in the lyric theater of our time.“-The Washington Times; “(Balada)brought back from years of labor in America a gift to his native Catalonia...(his)melodies serve the verismo style of singing...this opera succeeds largely on the shoulders of its orchestra writing...(he) exersices his own kind of anthropomorphism.“-The New York Times; “A great success“-Corriere della Sera;“ A colorful, thoroughly professional score.“- The Financial Times;“A writing always of high quality.“- Il Giornale;
61ZAPATA
(1984)
120’
Arrangement : Opera
Editorial : Editor Beteca Music
Comments : grand opera in two acts comm. by Government Spain (Text by A.Gala, in Spanish) to commemorate the 500 years of the arrival of the Spaniards to the Americas.(The opera depicts the history and passions that lead Columbus to the Indies.). Prem.Opera House del Liceu, Barcelona with Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe. Comm. Spanish Govmnt. This event was covered and reviwed by the principal media from the USA-New York Times, Washington Times, Opera News, International Herald Tribune,CBS-Sunday Morning, Etc-, Europe- Le Monde, Die Welt, Der Rheinische Merku, Il Giornale, The Independent, Le Soir de Bruxelles, Financial Times,Opera Now(London),Opera International (Paris),L’Opera(Milan)Das Oppernwelt (Zurich), Die Buhne (Viena), Ut Mi Sol(Paris) Etc.-, Latinamerica-La Folha de Sao Paulo (Brasil), El Tiempo(Colombia), La Nacion(Argentina), El Dia (Mexico), Galavision, Etc.- (Beteca Music)
“It is a masterpiece...a landmark score in the lyric theater of our time.“-The Washington Times; “(Balada)brought back from years of labor in America a gift to his native Catalonia...(his)melodies serve the verismo style of singing...this opera succeeds largely on the shoulders of its orchestra writing...(he) exersices his own kind of anthropomorphism.“-The New York Times; “A great success“-Corriere della Sera;“ A colorful, thoroughly professional score.“- The Financial Times;“A writing always of high quality.“- Il Giornale;
60CONCIERTO PARA VIOLÍN Y ORQUESTA
(1982)
22’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : G. Schirmer Inc.CD Naxos Records 8.554708, Orq Sim. Barcelona, Andrés Cárdenes, Vn, M. Aeschbacher, dir.
Premiere : Comm. Carnegie Mellon Univ.,prem.Carnegie Hall, New York;F.Siegal vn., Carnegie Mellon Philharm.; W.Torkanowsky cond. (
Comments : 2-2-2-2; 2-2-1-0; 1 perc; pno; strgs)
Other perf.:New World Sym , Orquesta Sinf. Do Estado de Sao Paulo, A.Cardenes Vn., Barcelona Sym. Orch. A. J. Garcia Vn.] (CD Naxos Records, Barcelona Sym. Orch., Andrés Cárdenes, Vn., M. Aeschbacher, cond.)
“(Balada) has juxtaposed a curiously teasing violin line against extraordinarily original orchestral textures.“-The Miami Herald; “The concerto is a tender, interesting, and thoughtful work. Balada’s mind is full of fertile ideas, and his music, as always, was stimulating and worthwhile.“-Musical America. “...In the concerto, he [Balada] accomplishes what thought impossible: intertwining a number of Catalan melodies clearly designed and enveloping them in unconventional and very original sonorities...“ La Vanguardia - Barcelona; “…an effective concert piece for an enterprising violinist in search of fresh repertoire.” American Record Guide; “…very original and unconventional textures…” X. Montsalvatge, La Vanguardia- Barcelona; “…Balada is certainly a master orchestrator…with a strong lyrical side.” R. Cummings, Classical Net; “…(a) beautiful- and decidedly original-work. Paul Cook, Classics Today. ; “An effective concert piece for an enterprising violinist in search of fresh repertoire.” American Record Guide. “Satisfying and memorable, with attention –grabbing lines and effects.” Fanfare.
59HANGMAN HANGMAN
BOTXÍ BOTXÍ
(1982)
50’
Arrangement : Ensemble (voice(s) and instruments)
Editorial : G. Schirmer inc. CD Naxos Records 8.557090 Carnegie Mellon Opera Theater, C. Pearce, dir.
Premiere : Commissioned & Prem. Barcelona International Festival.)
other perf.: Carnegie Mellon Univ.(Amer.prem.); Moorhead State Univ.(Minn.); Tallahasse,Fla.; Amarillo College. Prem. Spanish version Teatro Zarzuela, Madrid, 2007
Comments : Chamber opera one act (50’)-8 instr.-. (Text by the composer in English, Spanish and Catalan versions)
(Vn, Cb, Cl, Basson, Tpt, Tbn, Pf)
[
“(It is) an imaginative opera... (Balada’s) purpose was to write a work...inspired by a cowboy ballad, that in its comic nature expresses a sour criticism of society and the greediness of human beings...The music is alive, up-to-date...the match between words and music is total...It is interesting for its strong personality...It is a work of a musician-intelligent, challenging,diversified and imaginative, always with an interesting compositional process at work.“-La Vanguardia-Barcelona ; “‘Hangman! ‘is very much American, despite its composer’s Spanish roots...the setting is the Old West, and the folk melody is woven through a sophisticated musical web.“-Opera News. “…emphatically recommended”- Klassic Heute.
58QUASI UN PASODOBLE
(1981)
11’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : G. Schirmer Inc.CD Albany Records-Troy 417, Orq RTV Española, E. García Asensio, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557749, Real Orq Sin. De Sevilla, E. Alonso Crespo, dir.
Premiere : Comm. NEA Wash. D.C.prem. New York Philharmonic. Lopez Cobos cond.
Comments : A musical fantasia based on a ‘pasodoble’, a Spanish dance-march performed during a bull-fight.]
(3-2-2-3; 4-3-3-1; timp, 3 perc; pno; strgs.)
[Select. perf. other orch.: Valencia Sym.-Spain-,Spanish RTV Sym., Phoenix Sym., Harrisburg Sym., Real Orq. Sinf. de Sevilla, etc.]
“...leaving the listener with the sense of having heard a talented composer manipulating potentially banal material with skill and sensitivity.“-New York Times; “…the beautiful ‘Quasi un Pasodoble’ reminded me of Goya’s bullfighter put through a dreamy impressionist haze.” American Record Guide.
57QUASI ADELITA
(1981-82)
9’
Arrangement : Band
Premiere : Comm. & Prem. by Washington&Jefferson College Wind Enble,Pa.
Other perf. include Goldman Band at Lincoln Center, New York City
56SONATA PER A 10 VENTS
(1980)
16’
Arrangement : Brass quintet
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD New World Records 80448-8
Premiere : Prem. American Brass Quintet & New York Wind Quintet. Honorary mention 'Kennedy Center Freidheim Awards'.
Comments : Several perf. groups in US and Europe.
"The sonata was meant as a sound piece’ and in that it succeeds brilliantly. It is an exciting instrumental showcase, with motoric passages for combined brass instruments that are quite stunning."-The New York Times.
55TORQUEMADA
(1980)
25’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD grab. New World Records 80448-8, CMU Contemporary Ensemble y coro, Robert Page, dir.
Premiere : Comm. and prem. Radio Nacional España, Madrid. J.R. Encinar dir. Public Prem. Carnegie Mellon Ch.& Ens. R.Page cond, Pittsburgh.
Comments : Cantata with text by the composer-for baritone soloist, chorus and instr. ensemble.
The autocratic Spanish Inquisition of the XV century is denounced by the modern people of XX century Spain
“...(Balada’s) cantata demonstrates how effective he is in a historical dramatic context. The striking thing about ‘Torquemada’ is Balada’s juxtaposition of textural and musical forces.“-The Pittsburgh Press;
54PERSISTÈNCIES (piano)
per a piano
(1979)
9’
Arrangement : Mixed electronics
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Comments : Obligatory work composed for and premiered at the Three Rivers Piano Competition Pittsburgh.
53PRELUDIS OBSTINATS
per a piano
(1979)
9’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered by Alicia de Larrocha
Comments : piano
52SARDANA
(1979)
15’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : G. Schirmer Inc., CD Naxos Records 8.554708, Orq Sin. Barcelona, M. Aeschbacher, dir.
Premiere : Comm. by J.Cendros, prem. Pittsburgh Symphony. M.Lankester cond.
Comments : A colorful free version of the Catalan national dance.
(3-3-3-2;4-3-3-1;4 perc; pno; hrp; strgs)
“Sardana presented 17 minutes of unfailingly fascinating music...given half a chance, audiences may well come to love this vibrant and colorful score.“-Star Telegram-Ft. Worth TX; “Balada’s piece imparts the flavor of dance and revelry as successfully as any 20th century piece one can think of. It should be recorded immediately.“-Hartford Courant;“It is as sunny, colorful and irresistible as a Spanish fiesta...’Sardana’ should brighten orchestral programs the world over.“ Pittsburgh Press; “…so well crafted, so brilliantly orchestrated, that you’re apt to play it again and again. ” R. Cummings, Classical Net.
51PERSISTENCIAS SINFONIA CONCERTANTE PARA GUITARRA Y ORQ.
(1978)
22’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records-Troy 474, Orq. Sim. Barcelona, N. Yepes guit., L. Balada dir.
Premiere : Comm.by Narciso Yepes. Prem. Yepes, National Orch.Spain in Madrid and Tokyo. J Lopez-Cobos cond.
Comments : (2-2-2-2;2-3-3-0; 2 perc; pno; strgs)
Also perf. by Barcelona Sym.
“...there is an appropriate and interesting instrumental work in the composition, thanks to which the guitar is team up successfully with diverse sections of the orchestra.“-El Pais-Madrid;“In this composition, Balada shows once more that he is one of the composers of his generation with the most quality as well as the greatest quantity of work.“-ABC-Madrid.
50TROJAN WOMAN
(1978)
Arrangement : -
Editorial : Gral. Mus. Publishing
49FOUR CATALAN MELODIES
para guitarra
(1978)
9’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : For guitar
Comissioned by Andrés Segovia.
48TRANSPARENCY OF CHOPIN'S FIRST BALADE
(1977)
10’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD, New World Rec. 80442-2
Premiere : Comissioned by Dartmouth Collage. Premiered: A. di Bonaventura
Comments : piano
47TRES ANÈCDOTES. CONCERT PER A CASTANYOLES I ORQUESTRA
(1977)
10’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Comm.Lucero Tena, prem.Philharmonia Orch. London,L.Tena castg,Andrew Davies cond.
Comments : (2-1-1-1;1-1-0-0; strgs)
[Select.perf.other orch.:Philadelphia Orch., Cincinnati Sym., Evian Festival Orch., Wuttenberg Philharm.
(Germany),Limburg Sym(Holland),Orch.Nationale Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Spanish RTV Orch.Etc] [ Wood-percussion-soloist version perf. by Pittsburgh Sym Cham.Orch and Irish RadioTV Orch.]
“An intriguing composition. The work showed the range of virtuosity and subtlety she (the soloist)
achieves on the Spanish folk instrument.““-The Cincinnati Enquirer;“ It was of particular interest the contrast between the three movements with interesting populism in the first and last and great beauty in the central one.“-ABC-Madrid.
46CONCERT PER A 4 GUITARRES I ORQUESTRA
(1976)
19’
Arrangement : -
Editorial : G. Schirmer Inc.CD Naxos Records 8.557049, Barcelona Sym Orch, C. Pearce, dir., Quatuor de Guitares de Versailles.
Premiere : Comm. Tarrago Guitar Quartet, prem. Barcelona.Sym. Tarrago Qt., A. Ros-Marba cond.
Comments : ( 2-1-1-2; 2-2-0-0; Perc, Pf; cuerdas)
other perf.: Radio Luxemburg Sym.Orch.
“Here we have an excellent concerto...what splendid moments...it is a very beautiful work.“-Luxembourger Wort; “The concerto is a truly convincing work.“-Diario de Barcelona.
”… has more to offer than Rodrigo’s Concierto Andaluz which is “the” work for this instrumentation”-Fono Forum.
“The amazing canonic colour of the opening movement and the hypnotic repetitions and shifting patterns are all most exciting. In the seconds Balada evokes Music Box sonorities (it is) delicate, static, compelling… in the finale we have agitation and drama perfect close to the Concerto” – Jonathan Woolf-Classical Music Web
“…one of the most successful guitar-and-orchestra essays that I have ever heard.” David Hurwitz-Classics Today.com
45THREE TRANSPARENCIES OF BACH'S PRELUDE
para cello y piano
(1976)
18’
Arrangement : Duet
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. Grab LP por A. Williams, Vc, P. Jennings, Pf, en Grenadilla Records.
Premiere : Commissioned by , Minist. Cult. Madrid, Bellas ArtesPremiered in Barcelona by Vc. P. Corostola. 'Memorial concert to P.Casals'
Comments : For cello and piano
44HOMENTAGE A CASALS
(1975)
9’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records, Orq. Sim. Barcelona, L. Balada, cond.; CCD Albany Records –Troy 417, Orq Sim. Barcelona, L. Balada, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557342, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona, Salvador Mas, dir.
Comments : A thoughtful work based on the ‘song of the birds’, a Catalan melody which Pablo Casals used to play after his cello recitals.] winner 1976 International Prize City of Barcelona. prem. Pittsburgh Symphony. D.Johanos cond.
( 2-2-2-2; 3-3-3-1; timp., 3 perc;; pno; harp; strings)
[select. perf. other orch.: Israel Phil., Puerto Rico Sym.,National Orch.Spain, RadioTV Sym Ireland, Barcelona Sym, radio orch Leipzig, Düsseldorf Sym, Limburg Sym. (Holland), Xalapa Sym, Euskadi Sym, S.Dakota Sym, Nassau Sym, Orq. Simf. Balears, Orq. Sin. Nacional de Colombia, etc.]
“It was impressive because of its artfully motivic development and its sonic richness, the result of imaginative craftsmanship and new techniques. Musikleben -Leipzig; “Beautiful and interesting...“- Ha’aretz -Tel Aviv.
…is genuinely moving in the way that the ancient tones of the ‘Song of the Birds’ emerge out of shimmering, fragmented textures and gradually gaining solidity and nobility.- BBC Music Magazine.
43HOMENATGE A SARASATE
(1975)
7’
Arrangement : -
Editorial : G. SCHIRMER INC.CD Albany Records–Troy 417, Louisville Orch., J. Mester, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557342, Orquesta Sinfónica de Barcelona; Salvador Mas, dir.
Premiere : prem. Pittsburgh Symphony
Comments : brilliant opener or closing work based on the ‘Zapateado ’ - a Spanish dance- by Pablo de Sarasate.] Winner 1976 International Prize City of Barcelona.
[Select.perf. other orch.: Israel Philh., Detroit and Dallas Sym., National Orch Spain, RadioTV Sym Ireland, Barcelona Sym., Aspen Festiv. Orch., Louisville Orch., Juilliard Orch., Pasadena Sym., Filarm. Mexico, Long Beach Sym, radio orchs. of Leipzig, Düsseldorf Sym, Helsinki, Hanover, Adellaide Sym., Calgary Phil. ,Euskadi Sym.,Orq. Sin. Nacional de Colombia, etc.] (Publ. G.Schirmer Inc.)
“Here too, the composer proved convincingly how the traditional and the new may be organically connected.“-Musikleben-Leipzig ; “One could hear the inspiration in the nicely interwoven orchestration and rhythm...“ - Ha’aretz- Tel Aviv; “...(a) complex and witty Sarasate tribute...(a) bright overture...“-Los Angels Times; “Balada certainly knows how to use the orchestra in new ways to produce one-of-a-kind sounds“ - Dallas-Star-Telegram. “There is a clash here of traditional and modern harmonies that keeps the music fresh and exciting.” Fanfare.
42MINIS (para guitarra sola)
(1975)
15’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Beteca Music
Comments : Guitar
41APUNTES
(1974)
18’
Arrangement : Quartet
Editorial : Schirmer Inc. (D)CD de Quantum Records, Paris.Quatuor de Guitares de Versailles,Grav. Quartet Tarragó en LP, BASF Records;
Premiere : premied by Quartet Tarragó
Comments : Guitar Quartet. Awarded by the Concurso Internacional “Ciudad de Zaragoza“.
40AURORIS
(1974)
13’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Belwin-Mills - repr. G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Commisioned & prem. National Orchestra Spain. Fruhbeck de Burgos cond
Comments : A work with rich abstract sonorities, like three aurora bolearis.]
(3-3-3-2; 4-3-4-2; 4 perc; pno; strings) (
“...a work with very atractive sonorities.“-ABC-Madrid;
“... is like a beautiful abstract neo-impressionist painting.“-Arriba-Madrid
39CONCERT PER A PIANO, VENTS I PERCUSSIÓ
(1974)
15’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.CD grabación New World Records
Premiere : prem.Carnegie Hall,New York City, Carnegie Mellon Wind. Ensble., H.Franklyn pno. R.Strange cond
Comments : Comm. Carnegie Mellon Univ.
(3-3-3-3; 4-4-3-1; 4 perc)
(Select. perf. other orch.: Moscow Experimental Theater Sym.,Barcelona Sym.]
“The piano is almost exclusively treated like a percussion instrument...it sounds like fun to play.“-The New York Times;“Balada was an admirer of Joan Miro’s painting, and one can imagine this piece as an entire canvas filled with colorful and bizarre images.“-American Record Guide;“...frantic sense of playfulness....a work of considerable strengths.“-Fanfare-The Magazine for Serious Record Collectors;“A striking concerto“-The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
38NO-RES
Un requiem agnòstic
(1974- revis 1997)
40’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD Naxos Records 8.557343, Orquesta y Coro Comunidad de Madrid, J. R. Encinar, dir.
Premiere : Comm. by Fund. J. March of Madrid. Prem. 1997 Barcelona by Barcelona Sym. Orch., National Chorus Spain cond. Lawrence Foster on october 1997.
Comments : 1974-revised version 1997)
A dramatic futuristic protest of death.Narrators, chorus and orch. A symphonic tragedy for a narrator, chorus and orchestra.
Composed in collaboration with French writer Jean Paris.
“...Balada composed ’No-res’ two decades ago and had its world premiere now with great success. Despite the passing of time the score has not lost any of its original power... The public was won over by the vitality of this music...“ -La Vanguardia-Barcelona; “Balada has something to say:death is nothingness and against its injustice he is going to shout a brutal protest. And this can only be expressed with desperate sounds...“-El Mundo-Barcelona.
“…Balada’s musical language for the work is characteristically eclectic… In the hands of a lesser composer, this diversity could be a total disaster, but dealing with diverse musical materials and ideas is perhaps Balada’s greatest musical strength…the piece is a magnificent musical achievement”- Music & Vision Homepage.
“…the howling of desperate wolves opens “No-res”…a harrowing look at death…its impetus and immediacy stem from the death of the composer’s mother…all harrowing and even touching” : Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
37PONCE DE LEÓN
(1973- 1974)
12’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Belwin-Mills; repr. G.Schirmer Inc
Premiere : prem. Jose Ferrer actor-narrator,New Orleans Philhar.
Werner Torkanowsky cond.
Comments : narrator and orch.;
(2-2-2-2; 4-3-3-2; timp, 3 perc; pno; strgs)
[Other orch.: Spanish RTV Symph.Orch-Madrid; Barcelona Sym.; Charlotte Sym. Orch.]
“...his invention just as often is just as distinctive as it was in his powerfully effective ‘Guenica’...(Balada) has a way of abstracting a programmatic sound to unexpected but fully communicative essence .“-The Times-Picayune-New Orleans;“...a master of dry textures.“-Musical America; “The musical resources were used with enormous ability by the composer, giving life to what could be considered like a ‘fresco’, with lively rhythms and colors.“-Arriba-Madrid
36TRESIS
(1973)
7’
Arrangement : Trio
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Comissioned and Premiered in 'May Festival' New York City
Comments : Fl, Gui, cello.
35ELEMENTALIS
(1972)
7’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Comissioned by Dirección Gral. Bellas Artes (Madrid) Premiered: Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona by Montserrat Torrent organ.
Comments : Organ
34STEEL SYMPHONY
(1972)
19’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Belwin-Mills; repr. European-American CD New World Records NW348-8, Pittsburgh Symph., Lorin Maazel dir.
Premiere : prem. Pittsburgh Symph., Donald Johannos, dir. and CD recording by Pittsburgh Symph. L.Maazel cond. on New World Records.
European prem. by Spanish RTV Symph. Orch. Adrian Leaper cond.
Comments : A bold work, a multi-rhythmic impression of the steel mills, with its drama and poetry.
(3-2-2-3; 4-3-3-1; timp, 3 perc; pno; strgs)
“...a substantial one movement work...The instrumentation is always ingenious...“-The Gardian-London;“...the sounds of the steel mills turned into richly varied, sometimes frightening, sometimes funny evocation of the assembly line”
“...is frightening, sometimes funny evocation of the assembly line“-Ovation Record Review
“Balada, a composer whose approach to the post-serial and aleatoric innovations of the 1960s is entirely his own.. This self-consciously theatrical score is full of Balada’s stylistic fingerprints.“-Fanfare
“It is an extremely well-wrought and colorful work“-Stereo-Review
“It is a very successful effort “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“This was an original, bold work“-The Pittsburgh Press.
33CUMBRES
(1971-1972)
13’
Arrangement : Band
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records-Troy 474; Gravada en LP Serenus Records.
Premiere : Comm. Carnegie Mellon Univ.,prem. Carnegie Hall, N.Y.C. Carnegie Mellon Band
Comments : Short symphony for Band
Several perf. by several bands.
“‘Cumbres’ is a really splendid musical achievement.“-Stereo Review.
32TRES EPITAFIOS DE QUEVEDO
(1971)
7’
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI
Premiere : Premiered by Salvador Novoa, New York City
31VOCES Nº1
(1971-1972)
9’
Arrangement : Mixed choir
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Premiered by Agrupación Coral de Cámara de Pamplona.
30BANDONEON CONCERTO
(1970)
18’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : General Music-EMI; repr. G.Schirmer Inc.
Comments : Concert for bandoneon (large acordeon) and orchestra
Comissioned by A. Barletta
(0-0-0-0; 2-2-2-0; 2 Perc; strings)
29LAS MORADAS
(1970)
20’
Arrangement : Ensemble (voice(s) and instruments)
Editorial : Editor Unión Musical Española
Premiere : Comm. Dir.Gral Bellas Artes,Madrid. Prem. Avila, Spain. by Agrup.Coral de Cámara de Pamplona,cond. L. Morondo
Comments : A modern cantata using the mystical text of Saint Teresa of Avila
28MOSAICO
(1970)
18’
Arrangement : Brass quintet
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMIrepr. G. Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records - Troy 417 LP rec.Serenus Records
Premiere : Comm. & Prem. Aspen Festival, American Brass Quintet
Comments : “a work in continual nervous motion, full of contrasting, interlocking speeds and rhythm.“-The New York Times;“...meaningful contrast with exquisite muted trumpet melodies.“-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
27MARIA SABINA
(1969)
v. la’
Arrangement : Voices and orchestra
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc. CD Naxos 8.570425 (edición en 2008) por Orquesta y Coro Comunidad de Madrid, J.R. Encinar dir. (versión reducida) CD New World Records 80498-8 Louisville Orchestra and Chorus, J. Mester, dir.
Premiere : Prem.Carnegie Hall N.Y.C. Also perf. at Madrid Opera Festival. (Gen. Mus-EMI;repr. G.Schirmer Inc)
MARIA SABINA (1969) (35’) (reduced version).Prem. San Francisco.
Comments : A symphonic tragedy for narrators, chorus and orch. Work composed in collaboration with literature Nobel Prize winner C.J. Cela. (A dramatic accusation and self-defense by the Mexican-Indian mushroom-cult priestess María Sabina)
[Select. other perf.: Pittsburgh (concert form and ballet form), Louisville,Madrid]
“One of the most startling scores of recent years is this’symphonic tragedy’.“-Stereo Review; “Sheer impact swamped all qualifications at the West Coast premiere of Balada’s ‘Maria Sabina’...one of the most overpowering events of the season.“-San Francisco Chronicle;“’Maria Sabina’ was a smashing success.“ -San Fracisco Examiner;“It is an ambitious, largely designed, often moving piece.“-MusicalAmerica; “Through his natural symphonic ability...plus his control of the vocal writing, Balada has succided in a work that is very contemporary but at the same time accessible to audiences that are not familiar with today’s language.“-El Pais-Madrid-Barcelona. “drop-dead remarkable...This is a most handsomely constructed, hypnotic work.“ -Fanfare-The Magazine for Serious Record Collectors.
26MINIS (para Bandoneón)
(1969)
6’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Gral. Music Publishing, repr. G. Schirmer Inc
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered by Alejandro Barletta, New York
Comments : For bandoneón (large acordeon)
25CUATRIS
(1969)
9’
Arrangement : Quartet
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records-Troy 417 LP rec.on Serenus Rec
Premiere : Prem.N.Y.C., many perf. US and Europe
Comments : -four instr.- Fl/Vn; Cl/Va; Fg/Tbn/cello; Pf/Clv)
“ A delightful, almost programatic work.“-The Washington Post.
24GEOMETRIAS núm 3
para Bandoneón
(1968)
5’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc
Premiere : Comissioned and Premiered by A. Barletta, New York.
Comments : Bandoneon (large acordeon)
23SINFONÍA EN NEGRO
Homenaje a Martin Luther King
(1968)
19’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor General Mus-EMI-repr. G.Schirmer Inc.CD Albany Records-Troy 474, Orquesta RTVE, E. García Asensio, dir.
Premiere : Comm.&prem.Spanish RTVOrch.Madrid,E.Garcia-Asensio, cond.
This symphony was performed on tour by the Spanish RTV Sym in several cities in the US including New York(Carnegie Hall), Washington D.C.(Kennedy Center ) as well as in Mexico.
Comments : Homage to Martin Luther King
A profound work with Afro-American
(2-2-2-2; 2-3-2-1-;3perc;pno;strgs)
[Select. perf. other orch.: New Orleans Phil.,Irish Radio TV Sym, Barcelona Sym.,Detroit Sym., Symphony Orch of the New World at A.Fisher Hall N.Y.C.,etc...]
“Is skillful and imaginative...“-New York Post;“...is a powerfully dramatic work, which reveals the orchestrational mastery of its composer...(a) work impressive and skillfully put together.“New Orleans States-Item;“...there is life in the symphony and an abundance of original sounds.“-ABC-Madrid
22ANALOGÍAS
para guitarra
(1967)
7’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Beteca Music Grabación en LP por N.Yepes, Deutsche Grammophon.
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered by Narciso Yepes.
Comments : For solo guitar.
21MINIATURAS
(1967)
9’
Arrangement : String quartet
Editorial : Editor DINSIC
Premiere : Premiered by Cuarteto Radio Nacional España.
20TRES CERVANTINAS
(1967)
9’
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc
Premiere : Premiered by Salvador Novoa, New York City
19GEOMETRÍAS nº 1
(1966)
9’
Arrangement : Ensemble
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc. CD Albany Records-Troy 417
Comments : (Fl, Ob, Cl, Basson, Tpt, 1 Perc)
18GUERNICA
(1966)
11’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Gral. Mus. Publishing CD New World Records 80498-8, Louisville Orchestra, Jorge Mester, dir.; CD Naxos Records 8.557342, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona, Salvador Mas, dir.
Premiere : premiere New Orleans Philharmonic, W. Torkanowsky cond.
Comments : Work inspired by Picasso’s mural and the composer’s childhood memories of the Spanish Civil War
(2-2-2-2; 2-2-2-1; 4 perc; strings).
[select. perf. other orch.: Los Angeles Phil., Cincinnati Sym., Pittsburgh Sym., Louisville Orch., Rochester Phil., Aspen Festiv. Orch., Oregon Symph., Milwaukee Symph., Oakland Symph., Pasadena Sym. Jerusalem Sym., Barcelona Sym., Fil.de Mexico., Berne Sym., Oklahoma City Sym, Sacramento Sym, Kansas City Sym, Albany Sym, etc.]
“...a forceful and somewhat melodramatic work of considerable direct power with highly effective orchestration“-Stereo Review; “Guernica’ impresses, even fascinates, but true to its message, repels. The repulsion was intended; the fascination is due to the imagination of a creative craftsman.“-Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.; “Impressive in a bold modern spirit...“-San Francisco Examiner.
“…a masterpiece.”-Paul Shoemaker, Classical MusicWeb.
“…an impressive achievement”-Hubert Culto, Classical MusicWeb.
17CONCIERTO PARA GUITARRA Y ORQUESTA Nº1
(1965)
18’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor. General Music-EMI; repr. G.Schirmer Inc.
Comments : ( 2-1-2-1; 2-2-0-0; 2 Perc; strings)
16La casa
(1965)
Arrangement : -
15TRIANGULO
(1965)
Arrangement : -
14CONCERT PER A PIANO I ORQUESTRA
(1964)
21’
Arrangement : Symphony orchestra
Editorial : Editor Schirmer
Comments : (2-2-3-2; 3-3-3-1; 4 perc;strgs)
13LA VIDA ES SUEÑO
(1964)
Arrangement : -
12THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST
(1963)
Arrangement : -
Editorial : Gral. Music Publishing
11THE SEVEN LAST WORDS
(1963)
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI
Premiere : Premiered by Montserrat Torrent.
Comments : Organ
104 CANCIONES PARA LA PROVÍNCIA DE MADRID
(1962)
14’
Arrangement : Lied
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc
Premiere : 1962 Premiered by Teresa Berganza.
09CONCIERTO PARA CELLO I 9 INTÉRPRETES
(1962)
15’
Arrangement : Ensemble
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc.
Premiere : Prem. N. Rosen, Vc & Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble.
Comments : Comm. Gaspar Cassado.
(1-1-1-1;1-2-1-0; Perc)
Other perf. National Symphony Orch., Washington D.C.
08TRES DIVAGACIONS
per a guitarra sola
(1962)
9’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor G.Schirmer Inc.
Comments : Guitar
07SUITE NUM 1
per a guitarra sola
(1961)
18’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor Columbia Music
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered by N. Yepes, New York City.
Comments : for guitar
06CHAOS AND CREATION
(1960)
Arrangement : -
05LENTO WITH VARIATION
para guitarra
(1960)
6’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor Columbia Music Co.
Premiere : Comissioned and premiered in London, John Williams.
Comments : For guitar
04MÚSICA TRANQUILA
(1960)
Arrangement : String orchestra
Editorial : Gral. Mus. Publishing
03SONATA PARA VIOLÍN Y PIANO
(1960)
15’
Arrangement : Duet
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc.Grabado en LP por S. Harth Vn, H.Franklin, Pf, en Serenus Records
Premiere : Premiered by A. Brone, Vn and M. Cheransky, pf, New York
02CITY
(1959)
Arrangement : -
01MÚSICA EN 4 TIEMPOS
per a piano
(1959)
8’
Arrangement : Soloist instrument
Editorial : Editor General Music-EMI, repr. G. Schirmer Inc Grab. LP, Serenus Records
Premiere : Premiered by Jonathan Sack, New York
Comments : piano