On January 6, the writer from Valladolid, César Pérez Gellida, won the Nadal Novel Prize for his work Bajo tierra seca. This novel, set in Extremadura in the early 20th century, tells the story of an enigmatic and seductive widow who marks the destiny of those who cross her path.
Pérez Gellida is an author known for his crime novels, which usually feature police inspector Rubén Bevilacqua. In his works, music plays a fundamental role. Characters are often music lovers, and songs and musical genres serve to create atmosphere, set scenes and give depth to the characters.
In Bajo tierra seca, music is also an important element. The novel begins with the song “La viuda negra”, by José Alfredo Jiménez, and music is present throughout the work. The music serves to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, and to give voice to the characters’ feelings.
- In Bajo tierra seca, the protagonist, Soledad, is a passionate and sensual woman. He likes flamenco music, and the novel mentions songs by artists such as Camarón de la Isla, Enrique Morente and Lola Flores.
- In the trilogy Versos, canciones y trocitos de carne, Inspector Bevilacqua is a rational and methodical man. He enjoys classical music, and songs by artists such as Beethoven, Mozart and Bach are mentioned in the novel.
- In the novel El silencio de los bosques, the protagonist, Victor, is a man tormented by the past. He likes rock music, and songs by artists such as The Doors, Pink Floyd and Metallica are mentioned in the novel.
Pérez Gellida is an author who demonstrates a great knowledge and love for music. The use of music in his works is a way to enrich the narrative and create a more complete experience for the reader.
One of Pérez Gellida’s most outstanding collaborations with music is his work with Galician singer-songwriter Iván Ferreiro. In 2015, Ferreiro composed the soundtrack for the trilogy Versos, canciones y trocitos de carne. The soundtrack, entitled Memento Mori, includes original songs by Ferreiro inspired by the novels, as well as songs by other artists who appear in the works.
The collaboration between Pérez Gellida and Ferreiro was a resounding success. The soundtrack received excellent reviews and was a commercial success. The project represented a new approach to literature through music, and helped to consolidate Pérez Gellida as an author who understands music as a fundamental element of narrative.
In Bajo tierra seca, Pérez Gellida also uses music in an original way. The novel begins with the song “La viuda negra” by José Alfredo Jiménez. This song talks about a woman who seduces men and then kills them. The song is performed by a woman with a seductive voice, and creates an atmosphere of danger and suspense.
This song serves as a metaphor for the novel’s protagonist, Soledad. Soledad is an attractive and mysterious woman who hides a dark secret. The song “The Black Widow” serves to create an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation, and to suggest that Soledad is a dangerous woman.
The use of music in César Pérez Gellida’s works is a way of enriching the narrative and creating a more complete experience for the reader. The author demonstrates a great knowledge and love of music, and his work with artists such as Iván Ferreiro has helped consolidate his position as one of the most important authors of contemporary Spanish literature.
