Sojourn_in_Spain_Barcelona_Palau_de_Musica

Len and Jan's Sojourn in Spain
Barcelona: Palau de Musica Catalana

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Introduction

Photos were not allowed. The photo of the inverted stained glass dome on the
Introduction page is from the Eyewitness Travel Guide, Barcelona and Catalonia. The
splendid decorated pillars are from a postcard. This photo, taken from the balcony,
is from the Internet at www.blocs.mesvilaweb.cat/PereQuark and is by Paul Kowalski.

The Palau de Musica Catalana was the
biggest surprise of our trip, as we had
never heard of it before. Much to my
disappointment, photos were not
allowed---and I find myself without words
to describe the wealth of light, color,
and sculpture here. It was an incredible
feast for the eyes!

Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis
Domenech i Montaner as a place for the
local choral group to practice and
perform, it was completed in 1908. Like
Gaudi, the architect celebrated nature in
his work, placing sculpture, tilework, and
paintings of roses, vines, and fanciful
plants on every available space.

But have I mentioned music? He topped
the decorated columns with busts of
famous composers, including Bach and
Beethoven. The stained glass dome
features singing angels. Sculptures of
Wagner and Clave adorn the arch that
frames the stage area, and 18 maidens
playing instruments form the stage's
backdrop. This intimate venue is busy
almost every night, with concerts
ranging from jazz and guitar festivals to
international symphony orchestras.

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On to Park Guell
(under construction)