This biography offeres a fresh understanding of the life and work of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla (1876 - 1946), recognised as the greatest composer in the Spanish cultural renaissance that extended from the latter part of the nineteenth century until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The biography incorporates recent research of Falla while drawing on untapped sources in the Falla archives, reevaluates Falla's work in terms of current issues in musicology, and considers Falla's accomplishments in their historical and cultural contexts.

Hess asks important questions and paves the way for further research... we can already enjoy Sacred Passions, a biography of Falla written from a truly critical viewpoint. * Enrique Sacau, Il Saggiatore Musicale *
Carol A. Hess has an exceptional gift for scholarly biography. She must be here credited with writing the definitive work on her subject...her erudition is great, her scholarship impeccable, her originality considerable and her accomplishment impressive, thought-provoking and enlightening in equal measure. No-one seriously interested in Spanish music should fail to read this. * Bettina Neumann, Bookshelf *
A model of academic biography...scrupulous accuracy and unflinching fair-mindedness * Stephen Brown, TLS *

Carol A. Hess is Associate Professor of Music at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She won an ASCAP/Deems Taylor award for her book, Manuel de Falla and Modernism in Spain, 1898-1936.