"The Route of Cortés" Symphonic Poem No.3 of "The New Spain" - Lorenzo Ferrero

Ukraine National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Takuo Yuasa.
I - Allegro (𝅘𝅥 = 120): 0:00
Ferrero's "The Route of Cortés" (Ruta de Cortés) was composed in 1992, being the third in a set of six symphonic poems describing events during the Spanish conquest of Hernán Cortés against the Aztec civilization. The series can be considered a symphonic study for Ferrero's 2005 opera "La Conquista", which tackles the same subject. The whole series is written in a neorromantic, tonal style. The poems can be performed individually or together. The compositional concept that underlines the cycle confirms the theatrical nature of Ferrero; each piece has its own colour, a specific character, but at the same time subtle thematic links hold the parts together, according to a well-calculated interplay of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic references.
With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the American continent from 1492 onwards, began an extraordinary event that would radically change the American and European civilizations. Mayans, Aztecs and Incas were conquered with a mixture of violence and peaceful alliances that culminated in the fusion between the Spanish and the natives as the creation of the first global empire. The conquest of Mexico and the Aztec civilization as "New Spain" (la Nueva España), proved to be the most impressive event: five hundred men, for the most part soldiers of fortune led by Hernán Cortés, conquered a large empire in just a few months.
The piece describes how leaving the coast behind them, the Spanish set out across inaccessible mountains and, after the occasional encounter with both friendly and enemy Aztec tribes, they reach the valley of Mexico. After landing in what is now Veracruz, Cortés was welcomed by representatives of the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II, receiving gifts and being taken (at least for a while) as Gods whose return were announced by Aztec prophesies. Although they attempted to dissuade Cortés from visiting Tenochtitlan, the lavish gifts and the polite, welcoming remarks only encouraged the conquistador to continue his march towards the capital of the empire. While marching towards the capital, Cortés fought against hostile tribes, established alliances with rival tribes of the leading Mexicas, spread Catholicism as the soldiers mixed with the native women. As mentioned before, the Aztec empire would fall in a handful of months from then on.
The piece begins with a three-note motive that unfolds in a rhythmic main theme of minimalist style. A more melodic second theme, derived from the main one, is introduced by the wood and gently unfolded in a delicate, pastoral manner. It is contrasted by the motive reappearing in a determined way. The main theme is then recapitulated, after which in the central section the music becomes more dissonant and menacing through percussive entrances, contrasted by more melodic phrases. This series of contrasts continue for a while until the main theme reappears. It is triumphally transformed as it leads us to a brilliant coda.
Picture: "The Arrival of Hernán Cortés in Mexico" (2020) by the Spanish painter Augusto Ferrer Dalmau.
Musical analysis written by myself.
Unfortunately, the score is not available.

[@fransmeersman2334]

I have listened two times with much pleasure to the three poems, curious for the other three. Thanks !

[@garyscheele5118]

This 3rd Symphonic Poem is almost mesmerizing ... will be definitely be adding this to my playlist.

[@drexelringbloom7731]

Perhaps this format will spread Fererro’s name. This music is wonderful and exciting.

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

Ferrero is a good composer. The music is very pleasant and entertaining, but greatness eludes him.