EL ALMA DE FLORES - THE SOUL OF FLORES

Abstract

This doctoral project presents El Alma de Flores, an original fantasy for solo violin and orchestra based on selected songs by José Asunción Flores (1904–1972), the creator of the Guarania, a Paraguayan musical genre in 6/8 meter, known for its slow tempo, lyrical melodies, and profound emotional depth. While rooted in the Paraguayan polka, Guarania is distinguished by its melancholic character and evocative expressiveness, often centered on themes of nostalgia, national identity, and nature.The composition El Alma de Flores is a personal artistic response to this repertoire, reimagining iconic melodies such as Mburicao, India, Ne Rendápe Aju, Nde Ratypykua, Ñemity, and Gallito Cantor through a symphonic lens. Rather than presenting a disconnected suite, the work adopts the fantasy form to create a unified musical narrative that transitions organically between songs, offering expressive and technical challenges for both soloist and orchestra. This dissertation focuses on the analysis of the author’s own arrangement, addressing the interpretive, structural, and orchestration decisions involved in transforming Flores’ vocal and folk material into a concertante work for violin. The project emphasizes the use of violin-specific techniques—not only for virtuosic display but as expressive tools that embody the emotional spirit of Guarania. Guarania remains underrepresented in the North American academic and concert landscape. This study seeks to bridge that cultural gap, positioning Paraguayan music within the broader context of violin performance and composition studies. It advocates for a more inclusive repertoire and highlights the creative potential of engaging with Latin American traditions in academic settings.