Manuel de Falla, L'acoustique nouvelle and Natural Resonance: A Myth Exposed

Abstract

This article challenges two tenets of Falla scholarship: that the composer made use of a system of chord generation based on the harmonic series, and that he learnt this technique from Louis Lucas's L'acoustique nouvelle (Paris, 1854). The author demonstrates that Lucas's theories are largely unconcerned with the harmonic series and that Falla's use of ‘natural resonance’ has been misunderstood. Study of Falla's work, including manuscripts and writings (published and unpublished), reveals the true nature of Lucas's influence. Consideration is also given to Falla's role in the creation of this false orthodoxy.