The Works

Welcome to The Works, a playlist lovingly compiled by our expert editors to help you discover classical’s finest new albums. The opening track in this week’s playlist features a traditional Catalan folk song arranged by Miguel Llobet and played by Djibouti-born French guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre on Llobet’s own guitar. Along with many other Catalan folk songs, the gentle “Lo fill del rei” dates back centuries, but was only rediscovered in the 19th century during the Catalan Renaissance known as “La Renaixença.” “These songs originate from an oral tradition,” Feuillâtre tells Apple Music Classical, “and were used to express shared emotions such as love, sorrow and joy—they reflect the struggles and aspirations of the people. Using written transcriptions, composers such as Mompou and Llobet brought them to life in a deeply personal and expressive way.” Llobet, who did so much in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to promote the guitar as a solo instrument, adds a light touch to this endearing song. “His arrangements are extremely idiomatic,” adds Feuillâtre, “and they beautifully preserve the vocal essence of the melodies. By playing on Llobet’s own guitar, I was able to experience the poetic sound world he had in mind.” The Works is updated regularly by our editors, so if you find a piece of music or performance you love, make sure you add it to your library.