Metaphoric thinking imagery in Noches en los Jardines de España

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the metaphorical dimensions and cross-modal interactions in Manuel de Falla’s musical composition Noches en los Jardines de España. The study employs Nicholas Cook’s theoretical framework, which focuses on three modes of interaction: conformance, complementation, and contest. It investigates how Falla’s innovative use of Spanish folk music elements, mimetic sound-image relationships, and cyclical structures generates a complex metaphorical imagery that evokes vivid imagery, cultural associations, and emotional resonances through purely instrumental means. The article situates Falla’s metaphorical language within the artistic and cultural context of early twentieth-century Spain, shedding light on his role in negotiating between tradition and modernist innovation. By applying Cook’s theory to the realm of instrumental music, the study challenges traditional notions of music as a self-contained art form. It highlights the inherent cross-modal nature of musical language and emphasizes the listener’s active role in constructing and interpreting musical metaphors. The analysis underscores the significance of sensory correspondences in shaping the overall musical experience.