Palau de Musical, Barcelona

Spanish Guitar Concert at the Palau de Musica

What an incredible experience the Palau de Musica was! Upon entering, I was captivated by the ornate mosaics, bright color palette and endless embellishments on every surface and crevice. Lluís Domènech took great care in his Palau, which is evident with the intricacy of the décor. I was surprised at the size – it is quaint and holds only 2,000. But while other concert halls boast in capacity, the Palau de Musica’s splendor gives the audience a visual feast, as they enjoy the music.

I had the privilege of listening the world renown Spanish guitar player Manuel Gonzales. As his fingers picked at each string rapidly, I was taken to a different world. Because of our front row seats, I was able to see vividly the dexterity of his nimble hands picking and strumming. His skill and genius for the instrument mesmerized me as he played slow and fast tempos, traditional and contemporary songs, and made sounds to imitate other instruments like the drum or flute. Manuel played a full show of Spanish melodies, and graced us with two encores afterward. I now have a new appreciation and love for the Spanish guitar.

While Manuel’s melodies filled the air, I took the time to look around. Upwards was the glass mosaic ceiling that puts any chandelier or skylight to shame. A rainbow of color cascaded through the turquoise, amber and crimson glass. It was difficult to take my eyes off of this grandeur feature. I looked back to the stage. Watching Manuel from the behind were busts of the muses of music. While heads, shoulders, and arms holding flutes, harps and violins were delicately sculpted, Lluís Domènech completed their bodies with colorful mosaics. In what almost looked like the nave of a cathedral, the muses created an inspiring backdrop to the musician. To my right and left, stain glass windows, tile covered columns, and ornamented balconies added to the spectacular ambiance. Lluís Domènech’s flare for color and embellishment created a magical atmosphere to enjoy Manuel’s melodies.

The beauty of the inside is not to be outdone by the outside Lluís Domènech designed. The Palau’s richly decorated balcony, columns, and a mosaic mural stand out as a prism of color in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter’s otherwise dark alleys. As I stood outside to look up, I tried to pick out every detail: each piece of tile that covered the balcony’s columns, every flowered vine circling the building, and every facial expression on the corner sculptures.

My night at the Palau de Musical will forever be ingrained in my memory. I was surrounded by products of artistic genius. Lluís Domènech architecture and Manuel’s playing invited me to sit in my front row seat in awe of my incredible summer here in Barcelona.