Carmen: Music for the 1926 Silent Film

If you aren't familiar with the illustrious career of Ernesto Halffter, it all began with his scoring of the movie, Carmen, in 1926, at the age of 21. The movie was a silent film, and therefore he and the orchestra were the voices of the movie that helped progress the plot from scene to scene. The titles of the individual tracks allude to the pacing of the tunes, and vary depending on the scene they portray. Almost all of the tracks build up near the end of their run time, to predate the scene change.

Although his career started to take off at the age of 21, he began composing piano pieces at the age of 13. He started working with Manuel de Falla, composing pieces together throughout and beyond the Spanish Civil War. He would write for many films throughout his career, most notably Don Quixote. He also happened to be close friends with Salvador Dali.

All in all, this is very peaceful music, and is best suited for a relaxing afternoon. In an era where music has become repetitive and catchy, this work may be hard for the younger generations to listen to. However, if you happen to have a heap of work to accomplish, throw this bad boy on and your mind will be free from wander.

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