Manuel Valls i Gorina: The Composer Behind the FC Barcelona Anthem
Manuel Valls i Gorina (1920–1984) was a distinguished Catalan figure who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Spain. A versatile artist, he excelled as a composer, pianist, music critic, and educator, blending academic rigor with creative brilliance. While his contributions to classical music are vast, he is perhaps most widely recognized today as the creator of the music for "El Cant del Barça," the official anthem of FC Barcelona.
Born in Badalona, Valls was part of a family with a strong artistic lineage. He was a first cousin of the painter Xavier Valls, who was the father of the former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
Academic Foundation and Mentorship
Valls pursued his higher education at two of the most prestigious institutions in the region: the University of Barcelona and the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu. During his time at the Liceu, he studied under the guidance of Aita Donostia, a mentor who helped him master the complexities of music theory, composition, and orchestration (the art of arranging music for an orchestra).
This rigorous training provided the foundation for a prolific career. Valls did not merely perform; he dedicated his life to the study and dissemination of music, eventually serving as a professor of composition at the University of Barcelona and contributing his expertise as a music reviewer for the prominent newspaper El País.
Musical Legacy and Selected Works
Valls' compositional range was remarkably broad, spanning various genres from intimate solo pieces to grand operatic productions. His portfolio includes symphonic works, chamber music, choral arrangements, and art songs.
Operas and Choral Works
Among his most significant large-scale works are his operas, including Primera historia de Esther (1955) and CAL 33-33, o El bon samaritá (1967). He also composed evocative choral pieces for SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) voices, such as La Mare de Déu and Poemes de Patrícia.
Instrumental and Vocal Compositions
Valls demonstrated great versatility in his instrumental writing, composing for piano, guitar, and flute. His works range from the technical Tocata per a piano to the melodic Seis canciones del Alto Duero for voice and piano.
| Category | Work Title |
|---|---|
| Opera | Primera historia de Esther (1955) |
| Opera | CAL 33-33, o El bon samaritá (1967) |
| Choral (SATB) | La Mare de Déu |
| Choral (SATB) | Poemes de Patrícia: Renaixença, Món, Nit |
| Piano | Tocata per a piano; Preludio para piano |
| Orchestral/Solo | Concierto de guitarra y orquesta; Fantasías en forma de concierto para flauta solista y cuerda |
| Vocal | Seis canciones del Alto Duero para voz y piano |
| Dance | Estudio de danza en 5/8 |
Key Facts
- Famous Work: Composed the music for "El Cant del Barça," the official anthem of FC Barcelona.
- Education: Studied at the University of Barcelona and the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu.
- Professional Roles: Served as a composer, pianist, music critic for El País, and composition professor.
- Family Connection: First cousin of painter Xavier Valls.
- Archival Record: His personal papers are preserved in the Biblioteca de Catalunya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manuel Valls i Gorina's most famous composition?
He is most widely known for composing the music for "El Cant del Barça," which serves as the official anthem of the FC Barcelona football club.
Where did Manuel Valls i Gorina study music?
He received his education at the University of Barcelona and the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, where he was mentored by Aita Donostia.
What genres of music did he compose?
Valls composed a wide array of music, including operas, symphonic works, chamber music, choral music, art songs, and solo piano pieces.
Did he have a career outside of composing?
Yes, he was a music educator who taught composition at the University of Barcelona and a music critic who wrote for the newspaper El País.
Where can his personal papers be found?
The personal papers of Manuel Valls i Gorina are preserved and archived in the Biblioteca de Catalunya.