Joaquin Turina was born in Seville, first studied music in Madrid, and later, while in Paris, became a pupil of Vincent d'lndy in composition, and of Moscowski in piano. During the course of his distinguished career he taught in Madrid, was pianist with the Quintet de Madrid, conducted the Ballet Russe in Spain, wrote numerous works for the theatre and other mediums, was critic for a Spanish music magazine, and became a member of the Spanish Academy of the Arts. His compositions are flavored by the modal scales, harmonic progressions, and turns of phrase characteristic of the music of his native land, overlaid with French influences.
Turina devoted much of his compositional talents to chamber music. In this brief tone poem for string quartet, La Oracion del Torero "The Bullfighter's Prayer," the influence of Debussy can be heard, especially in the use of lush descending parallel ninth chords. The musical influence of the Andalusian Gypsies is also quite evident. This piece became one of the composer's most popular works, often performed in an arrangement for string orchestra.
The following by David Ewen gives some background to this wonderful work: "The Bullfighter's Prayer is marked by a striking contrast of moods and colors. It opens quietly: after progressing with impulsive rhythms to moods of impetuous character, an expansive melody that dominates the composition is unfolded. A forceful climax then arrives. After this has been fully realized, the ideas stated at the beginning of the piece are repeated. The principal, melody brings the work to a gentle conclusion."
-- Kendall Durelle Briggs
