ABSTRACT
The Spanish cultural sphere became increasingly politicized during the 1930s, fuelled in part by the policies of successive governments of the Second Republic (1931–39) and the pronouncements of their supporters, and further heightened by the rhetoric of conflicting parties during the Civil War. In this context, Manuel de Falla’s declarations and his involvement with the cultural institutions of different regimes gave rise to commentary in the press. His modernist aesthetic inclinations, when combined with leanings towards Republicanism and deeply felt Catholicism, facilitated his adoption by openly conflicting sides. This gave rise to markedly contrasting readings of his music, which continued well beyond the composer’s death. Chapter 13 explores political and religious constructions of Falla and his music in the 1930s, providing further perspectives on these issues through an examination of Stravinsky’s reception in Spain and prevailing ideas of Castilian identity.
