Overview
Manuel de Falla: Overview
Manuel de Falla (1876–1946) was a Spanish composer and one of the most important figures in 20th-century classical music. His work blended Spanish folk traditions with modern classical influences, drawing from Impressionism, Neoclassicism, and flamenco.
Early Life and Training
Born in Cádiz, Spain, Falla initially studied piano before shifting his focus to composition. He trained at the Madrid Conservatory, where he was influenced by Spanish nationalist composers such as Felipe Pedrell.
Paris Years (1907–1914)
In Paris, he absorbed influences from Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky while maintaining a distinctly Spanish character in his music. Works from this period, such as Noches en los jardines de España (1911–1915), show Impressionist harmonies combined with Andalusian folk elements.
Mature Works in Spain (1914–1939)
Returning to Spain during World War I, Falla composed some of his most famous works, including:
El amor brujo (1915), featuring the famous Danza ritual del fuego (Ritual Fire Dance).
El sombrero de tres picos (1919), a ballet commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev, incorporating flamenco rhythms.
Harpsichord Concerto (1923–1926), influenced by Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Later Years and Exile (1939–1946)
After the Spanish Civil War, Falla moved to Argentina, where he worked on his unfinished cantata Atlántida. He lived in isolation, suffering from poor health, and died in 1946.
Legacy
Falla’s music remains a cornerstone of Spanish classical repertoire, admired for its rhythmic vitality, orchestral color, and synthesis of folk traditions with modernism.
History
Manuel de Falla was born in 1876 in the Andalusian city of Cádiz, a place deeply connected to Spain’s rich musical traditions. From a young age, he showed a strong affinity for music, studying piano with his mother before enrolling at the Madrid Conservatory. There, he was introduced to Spanish nationalist music through composer and musicologist Felipe Pedrell, who encouraged him to explore the folk traditions of his homeland. This early influence would shape Falla’s musical identity for the rest of his life.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Falla struggled to gain recognition in Spain, prompting him to seek opportunities abroad. In 1907, he moved to Paris, where he encountered a thriving artistic scene. He became acquainted with composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Igor Stravinsky, whose innovative styles left a lasting mark on his music. During his Paris years, Falla refined his harmonic language, blending Impressionist colors with the rhythms and melodies of Spain. However, his time in France was cut short by the outbreak of World War I in 1914, forcing him to return to Spain.
Back in Madrid, Falla entered a period of remarkable creativity. In 1915, he completed El amor brujo, a work that drew on Andalusian flamenco and included the now-famous Danza ritual del fuego (Ritual Fire Dance). He followed this success with El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat), a ballet commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev, which premiered in London in 1919 with sets and costumes designed by Pablo Picasso. These works firmly established Falla as Spain’s leading composer, celebrated for his ability to capture the soul of Spanish folk music within the framework of classical composition.
During the 1920s, Falla’s style evolved toward a more austere and refined aesthetic. His Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments (1923–1926) signaled a shift toward neoclassicism, stripping away Impressionist harmonies in favor of a crisper, more structured approach. This period also saw him move to Granada, where he lived in relative seclusion, immersed in his studies of Spanish Renaissance music.
The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) brought turmoil to Falla’s life. Though he largely avoided political involvement, the war’s devastation deeply affected him. In 1939, he left Spain for Argentina, invited by the government to settle there. Despite being regarded as a cultural figure of great importance, Falla lived modestly, dedicating himself to his final major work, Atlántida, a massive cantata based on Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer’s epic poem. However, his declining health prevented him from finishing it.
Falla spent his final years in exile, isolated and weakened by illness. He died in Argentina in 1946, never having returned to Spain. His legacy, however, endures—his music remains an essential part of both the Spanish classical tradition and the broader landscape of 20th-century music. Through his works, Falla achieved what he had sought from the beginning: a deep, authentic expression of Spain’s musical soul, fused with the innovations of the modern era.
Chronology
1876–1907: Early Life and Education
1876 – Born on November 23 in Cádiz, Spain.
1885–1896 – Studies piano and music theory in Cádiz; first compositions.
1896 – Moves to Madrid and enters the Madrid Conservatory.
1900 – Wins the first prize for piano at the conservatory.
1905 – Composes La vida breve (The Brief Life), which wins a Spanish competition but remains unperformed.
1907–1914: Paris Years and Impressionist Influence
1907 – Moves to Paris, where he meets Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky.
1909 – La vida breve is finally staged in Nice, France.
1911–1915 – Writes Noches en los jardines de España (Nights in the Gardens of Spain), influenced by Impressionism.
1914–1939: Success in Spain and International Fame
1914 – Returns to Madrid due to World War I.
1915 – El amor brujo (Love, the Magician) premieres, featuring the famous Danza ritual del fuego.
1919 – El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat), a ballet commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev, premieres in London with set designs by Pablo Picasso.
1920 – Moves to Granada and begins an intense period of study of Spanish Renaissance music.
1923–1926 – Composes Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments, reflecting neoclassical influences.
1939–1946: Exile in Argentina and Final Years
1939 – Leaves Spain after the Spanish Civil War and settles in Argentina.
1940s – Works on Atlántida, an unfinished cantata based on Catalan literature.
1946 – Dies on November 14 in Alta Gracia, Argentina.
Falla’s remains were later repatriated to Spain, and he is buried in the Cádiz Cathedral. His legacy continues through his masterful fusion of Spanish folk traditions with modern classical techniques.
Characteristics of Music
Manuel de Falla’s music is a fusion of Spanish folk traditions and modern classical techniques, influenced by Impressionism, Neoclassicism, and Renaissance polyphony. His style evolved throughout his career, but certain characteristics remained central to his work.
1. Spanish Nationalism and Folk Influence
Falla incorporated Spanish folk elements, particularly from Andalusian flamenco, into his compositions.
He used Phrygian mode, Arabic-influenced melodies, and flamenco rhythms, as heard in El amor brujo and El sombrero de tres picos.
His music often includes guitar-like effects, even in orchestral works, reflecting the importance of the guitar in Spanish folk music.
2. Rhythmic Vitality
Dance rhythms play a major role, particularly in pieces like the Danza ritual del fuego (Ritual Fire Dance).
Frequent use of syncopation and polyrhythms, influenced by both flamenco and Stravinsky.
3. Impressionist Harmonic Language
During his Paris years, Falla adopted Impressionist harmonies, using whole-tone scales, modal progressions, and rich orchestral textures, as seen in Noches en los jardines de España.
His music balances sensual colors with the sharp, percussive qualities of Spanish folk styles.
4. Neoclassical Influence in Later Works
From the 1920s, Falla’s music became more austere, influenced by Neoclassicism and Spanish Renaissance music.
Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments (1923–1926) reflects this shift, using Baroque forms and counterpoint with modern harmonies.
5. Expressive Economy and Precision
Unlike composers who used large-scale orchestration, Falla often favored concise, tightly structured forms.
He avoided excessive ornamentation, aiming for clarity and direct emotional expression.
Falla’s music is both deeply rooted in Spanish tradition and innovative, bridging folk idioms with modernist techniques in a highly original way.
Composer of Romantic Music or Impressionist Music or Modernist Music?
Manuel de Falla’s music does not fit neatly into a single category, as his style evolved throughout his career. However, he is most commonly associated with Impressionism and Modernism, while still retaining elements of Romanticism and Spanish nationalism.
Romanticism (Early Period, before 1907)
His early works, such as La vida breve (1905), were influenced by the late Romantic style, similar to Spanish nationalist composers like Albéniz and Granados.
These compositions contain rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and dramatic contrasts, typical of Romantic music.
Impressionism (Paris Years, 1907–1914)
During his time in Paris, Falla absorbed Impressionist influences from Debussy and Ravel.
Works like Noches en los jardines de España (1911–1915) showcase lush orchestration, modal harmonies, and atmospheric textures, which align with Impressionism.
Modernism and Neoclassicism (1920s–1940s)
In the 1920s, Falla moved towards austere, structured music, influenced by Stravinsky and Spanish Renaissance composers.
His Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments (1923–1926) reflects Neoclassical clarity, counterpoint, and rhythmic precision, distancing itself from Impressionist color.
His later works, including the unfinished Atlántida, are more abstract, showing Modernist tendencies in their stripped-down textures and intellectual rigor.
Conclusion
Falla’s music is a blend of Impressionism, Spanish nationalism, and Modernism. While some of his works have Romantic elements, his mature style is closer to Impressionism and later, Neoclassical Modernism.
Relationships
Manuel de Falla was deeply connected to many important musicians, artists, and cultural figures of his time. Here are some of his most notable relationships:
Composers and Musicians
Felipe Pedrell (1841–1922) – Spanish composer and musicologist who was Falla’s teacher in Madrid. Pedrell introduced him to Spanish folk music and inspired his nationalistic style.
Claude Debussy (1862–1918) – A strong influence on Falla during his Paris years (1907–1914). They met in person, and Debussy admired Falla’s music, calling La vida breve “a true work of art.”
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) – Another key influence on Falla. They met in Paris and shared a deep interest in Spanish musical elements. Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole and Boléro reflect this mutual exchange.
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) – Falla met Stravinsky in Paris and later incorporated some of his rhythmic innovations into his own music, especially in his neoclassical works.
Enrique Granados (1867–1916) – A fellow Spanish composer and pianist, Granados encouraged Falla in his early career. They shared a passion for Spanish folk idioms.
Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) – One of the greatest Spanish composers of his time, Albéniz supported Falla financially and encouraged him to move to Paris. He dedicated Iberia to Albéniz.
Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982) – The Polish pianist was a champion of Falla’s piano music, often performing Noches en los jardines de España.
Wanda Landowska (1879–1959) – The famous harpsichordist for whom Falla composed his Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments (1923–1926).
Pablo Casals (1876–1973) – The legendary Catalan cellist and conductor was a friend and admirer of Falla’s music.
Ballet and Theater Collaborations
Sergei Diaghilev (1872–1929) – The Russian impresario commissioned El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat) for his Ballets Russes.
Léonide Massine (1896–1979) – Choreographer of El sombrero de tres picos and El amor brujo, who worked closely with Falla on dance interpretations.
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) – Designed the sets and costumes for El sombrero de tres picos in 1919.
Orchestras and Conductors
Ernest Ansermet (1883–1969) – Swiss conductor and an early supporter of Falla’s music, conducting his ballets and orchestral works.
Eduardo Toldrá (1895–1962) – A Spanish violinist and conductor who frequently performed Falla’s works.
London Symphony Orchestra – Premiered El sombrero de tres picos in 1919 under the direction of Ernest Ansermet.
Non-Musician Collaborations
Federico García Lorca (1898–1936) – The Spanish poet and playwright was a close friend of Falla. They shared a passion for Andalusian folk music and collaborated on reviving traditional Spanish theater.
Gregorio Martínez Sierra (1881–1947) – Spanish playwright and librettist who wrote the texts for El amor brujo and El corregidor y la molinera, which later became El sombrero de tres picos.
Political and Personal Influences
Miguel Primo de Rivera (1870–1930) – Spanish dictator during Falla’s later years in Spain. Though Falla was apolitical, he declined official honors from the regime.
Francisco Franco (1892–1975) – After the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s government offered Falla a high cultural position, which he refused, leading to his self-imposed exile in Argentina.
Argentine Government – Invited Falla to settle in Argentina in 1939, where he spent his final years working on Atlántida.
Conclusion
Falla’s career was shaped by his relationships with leading musicians, dancers, artists, and writers of his time. His ability to blend Spanish folk traditions with modern classical styles was enriched by these connections, making him one of Spain’s most influential composers.
Similar Composers
Manuel de Falla’s music combines Spanish nationalism, Impressionism, and Modernism, so composers similar to him often share these traits. Here are some composers with similarities to Falla:
Spanish and Iberian Nationalist Composers
Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) – A pioneer of Spanish nationalism in music, his piano suite Iberia influenced Falla’s orchestral textures and use of folk rhythms.
Enrique Granados (1867–1916) – His piano works (Goyescas) share Falla’s love for Spanish folk idioms and expressive lyricism.
Joaquín Turina (1882–1949) – Blended Spanish folk music with Impressionism, similar to Falla’s Noches en los jardines de España.
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901–1999) – His Concierto de Aranjuez captures a similar Spanish atmosphere, though with a more neoclassical and lyrical approach.
French Impressionist and Modernist Composers
Claude Debussy (1862–1918) – Falla was influenced by Debussy’s harmonic language and orchestration; Estampes (especially La soirée dans Grenade) has a strong Spanish influence.
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) – Shared Falla’s interest in Spanish music, heard in Rapsodie espagnole and Boléro.
Paul Dukas (1865–1935) – Falla admired Dukas, and both composers used precise orchestration and neoclassical tendencies.
Eastern and Central European Modernists with Folk Influences
Béla Bartók (1881–1945) – Similar in how he integrated folk music into a modern classical idiom, using modal melodies and percussive rhythms.
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) – Especially in his early works (Petrushka, The Firebird), Stravinsky’s rhythmic energy and folk elements parallel Falla’s style.
Leoš Janáček (1854–1928) – Used speech-like melodies and folk rhythms, akin to Falla’s use of flamenco-inspired phrasing.
Neoclassical and 20th-Century Spanish-Inspired Composers
Ottorino Respighi (1879–1936) – His orchestral suites Ancient Airs and Dances share Falla’s interest in historical music.
Darius Milhaud (1892–1974) – French composer who blended folk music with classical modernism, similar to Falla’s later style.
Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887–1959) – Brazilian composer who, like Falla, combined folk traditions with modern harmonies.
These composers all share aspects of Falla’s style, whether in folk influences, Impressionist harmonies, rhythmic vitality, or neoclassical refinement.
Notable Piano Solo Works
Manuel de Falla did not compose a large number of solo piano works, but the pieces he did write are highly regarded for their Spanish character, rhythmic vitality, and Impressionist colors. Here are his most notable piano solo works:
1. Cuatro Piezas Españolas (1906–1908)
A set of four character pieces inspired by different Spanish regions, blending folk rhythms with Impressionist harmonies.
Aragonesa – Inspired by the lively dances of Aragon.
Cubana – A habanera with a gentle, flowing rhythm.
Montañesa – Evokes the northern Spanish countryside.
Andaluza – Features a strong flamenco influence and dramatic contrasts.
2. Fantasía Baetica (1919)
A virtuosic and rhythmically intense work inspired by Andalusian flamenco.
Commissioned by Arthur Rubinstein, who premiered it.
Features percussive effects imitating the guitar and castanets, as well as complex polyrhythms.
3. Homenaje: Pour le Tombeau de Claude Debussy (1920)
A short but evocative piece written in memory of Debussy.
Contains Spanish guitar-like textures and a habanera rhythm.
Later arranged for guitar by Falla himself, making it his only work for that instrument.
4. Mazurca (1899)
A youthful, Romantic-style piece showing the influence of Chopin.
5. Serenata Andaluza (1900)
A light, lyrical piece with clear Andalusian influences.
One of his earliest published works, showing hints of his later style.
6. Nocturno (1899)
A Chopin-inspired work with a delicate and expressive character.
Conclusion
Falla’s piano works range from early Romantic-inspired pieces to bold, Spanish-infused compositions like Fantasía Baetica. His Cuatro Piezas Españolas and Fantasía Baetica are his most important piano contributions, showcasing his ability to merge Spanish folk traditions with modern classical techniques.
Cuatro Piezas Españolas (1906–1908)
Cuatro Piezas Españolas (Four Spanish Pieces) is a set of four solo piano pieces by Manuel de Falla, composed between 1906 and 1908. These pieces reflect regional Spanish musical styles while also incorporating Impressionist harmonies that Falla absorbed during his time in Paris. They are among his most important solo piano works and are frequently performed.
Structure and Characteristics
1. Aragonesa
Inspired by Aragonese folk music, particularly the jota, a traditional dance from the region.
Features lively, syncopated rhythms and bright, energetic textures.
Strong guitar-like effects, evoking Spanish folk instruments.
2. Cubana
A lyrical, habanera-style piece, influenced by Afro-Cuban rhythms that were popular in Spain at the time.
The syncopated rhythm and gentle, flowing melody create a dreamy, dance-like atmosphere.
Reflects a fusion of Spanish and Cuban musical traditions.
3. Montañesa (Paysage)
Evokes the serene landscapes of northern Spain, particularly the Cantabrian region.
A more introspective, atmospheric piece, with Impressionist harmonies similar to Debussy.
Features a floating, modal melody over a soft, undulating accompaniment.
4. Andaluza
The most famous piece of the set, deeply rooted in Andalusian flamenco traditions.
Characterized by strong rhythmic accents, ornamentation, and dramatic contrasts.
Contains Phrygian mode inflections, a hallmark of Andalusian music.
Reflects the cante jondo (deep song) tradition of flamenco singing.
Musical Style and Influences
The work blends Spanish nationalism with French Impressionist harmonies, similar to Debussy and Ravel.
Uses modal melodies, syncopation, and guitar-like textures, imitating flamenco techniques.
Each piece represents a different region or dance style of Spain.
Legacy
Cuatro Piezas Españolas is one of Falla’s most performed piano works.
It bridges Romanticism and Modernism, showing his transition from early influences (Chopin, Albéniz) to his mature nationalistic style.
Pianists such as Alicia de Larrocha and Artur Rubinstein have recorded notable interpretations of the work.
This collection is essential for understanding Falla’s fusion of folk traditions with Impressionist colors, making it a key part of 20th-century Spanish piano repertoire.
Quatre pièces espagnoles
Manuel de Falla’s Pièces espagnoles is actually known as “Quatre pièces espagnoles” (Four Spanish Pieces), composed between 1906 and 1908. This set for solo piano is one of Falla’s early masterpieces, showcasing his deep engagement with Spanish folk traditions while incorporating impressionistic harmonies reminiscent of Debussy and Ravel.
Overview of the Four Pieces:
Aragonesa – Inspired by the folk music of the Aragon region, this piece features lively rhythms and bright, dance-like energy, with rapid figurations that evoke the jota, a traditional dance of the area.
Cubana – This movement blends Spanish and Cuban elements, reflecting the rhythmic patterns and syncopations characteristic of Cuban habanera music.
Montañesa (Paysage) – This is the most atmospheric piece, evoking the serene landscapes of northern Spain with rich harmonies and a sense of impressionistic stillness.
Andaluza – A fiery and passionate work, inspired by the flamenco traditions of Andalusia, particularly the fandango, with dramatic contrasts and virtuosic flourishes.
Style and Influence:
The Quatre pièces espagnoles show the influence of Debussy and Ravel, especially in their harmonic language and textural richness.
At the same time, they reflect Falla’s deep connection to Spanish folk traditions, a characteristic that would define his later works.
They were admired by Claude Debussy, who encouraged Falla’s exploration of Spanish musical identity.
This set is one of the finest examples of early 20th-century Spanish piano music, alongside works by Albéniz and Granados.
Notable Works
Manuel de Falla is one of Spain’s most important composers, known for blending Spanish folk traditions with modern harmonies. Here are his notable works excluding solo piano pieces, categorized by genre:
Orchestral Works
Noches en los jardines de España (1911–1915) – A set of three symphonic impressions for piano and orchestra, evoking the atmosphere of Andalusian gardens. Though it features piano, it’s not a solo work but a dialogue between piano and orchestra.
Homenajes (1938–39) – A suite of orchestral pieces based on earlier piano works, dedicated to figures like Claude Debussy and Enrique Fernández Arbós.
Ballets & Stage Works
El amor brujo (1915, revised 1925) – A ballet featuring flamenco influences, famous for Danza ritual del fuego (Ritual Fire Dance).
El sombrero de tres picos (1919) – A ballet based on a Spanish folk tale, featuring lively dances like the Farruca and Jota.
Atlántida (unfinished, completed posthumously in 1976) – A large-scale dramatic cantata based on the myth of Atlantis, left incomplete at Falla’s death.
Operas
La vida breve (1905, premiered 1913) – A one-act opera with strong Andalusian influences, telling a tragic love story with vibrant Spanish orchestration.
Choral & Vocal Works
Siete canciones populares españolas (1914) – A set of Spanish folk songs arranged for voice and piano, often performed in orchestral versions.
Psyche (1924) – A song for soprano and instruments, reflecting his later neoclassical style.
Activities excluding composition
Aside from being a composer, Manuel de Falla was deeply involved in several musical and cultural activities throughout his life. Here are some of his key non-compositional contributions:
1. Pianist & Performer
Falla was an accomplished pianist, often performing his own works and those of other Spanish composers.
He gave recitals in Spain and France, and his piano technique influenced his compositional style, especially in works like Noches en los jardines de España.
2. Musicologist & Researcher of Spanish Folk Music
He was deeply interested in Andalusian and Spanish folk music, researching traditional rhythms, melodies, and flamenco techniques.
He worked closely with Flamenco musicians and dancers, incorporating their styles into his compositions.
His knowledge of folk traditions influenced composers like Rodrigo and Turina.
3. Conductor & Musical Director
He occasionally conducted performances of his own works, including El sombrero de tres picos and El amor brujo.
He directed concerts and was involved in promoting Spanish nationalist music.
4. Teacher & Mentor
Although he did not hold a formal teaching position, he mentored young composers like Ernesto Halffter, who later completed Falla’s unfinished Atlántida.
He was an influential figure in shaping 20th-century Spanish music.
5. Cultural Organizer & Promoter of Spanish Music
In Madrid, he played a key role in promoting Spanish classical music, organizing concerts and advocating for native composers.
While in Granada (after 1921), he supported musical activities and festivals, helping to preserve Spanish musical heritage.
6. Exile & Late Philosophical Interests
Due to the Spanish Civil War, he went into voluntary exile in Argentina (1939-1946).
In Argentina, he became increasingly involved in spiritual and philosophical pursuits, focusing on mysticism and Catholicism.
He declined offers to return to Spain, preferring a quiet life in Argentina until his death in 1946.
Episodes & Trivia
Manuel de Falla led a fascinating life filled with unique episodes and interesting trivia. Here are some notable moments and little-known facts about him:
1. A Composer Who Burned His Own Works
Falla was extremely self-critical and often revised or even destroyed his own compositions.
He once burned an entire opera (L’Atlántida) draft because he was dissatisfied with it.
Even his well-known El amor brujo was heavily revised, with some early versions lost.
2. A Deeply Religious and Reclusive Man
Despite being a public figure, Falla was introverted and deeply religious.
He lived an austere life, practicing extreme self-discipline.
In his later years, he focused more on mysticism and even considered becoming a monk!
3. His Connection with Claude Debussy
Debussy greatly admired Falla’s Noches en los jardines de España.
When Debussy died in 1918, Falla composed Homenaje – Tombeau de Debussy for guitar, one of his few works for the instrument.
Falla’s harmonic style was influenced by French Impressionism, but he always retained a strong Spanish character in his music.
4. A Strange Encounter with Stravinsky
Falla and Igor Stravinsky met in Paris, where they had a complicated friendship.
Falla, being conservative and reserved, did not fully understand Stravinsky’s experimental tendencies.
Stravinsky, on the other hand, mocked Falla’s excessive humility and simple lifestyle, once joking that Falla “lived like a medieval monk.”
5. The Mysterious Case of His Unfinished Masterpiece
His last major project, Atlántida, was unfinished at the time of his death in 1946.
It was completed posthumously by his disciple Ernesto Halffter, though some believe Falla wouldn’t have approved of the final version.
The work was meant to be his grandest achievement but remains one of the most enigmatic unfinished compositions in Spanish music.
6. Why He Left Spain Forever
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Falla was deeply disturbed by the political situation.
Though he was offered financial support and an official role by Franco’s government, he refused.
Instead, he moved to Argentina in voluntary exile, where he spent his last years.
Despite invitations to return to Spain, he never set foot in his homeland again.
(This article was generated by ChatGPT. And it’s just a reference document for discovering music you don’t know yet.)
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