The mountains of Alfàbia were bathed in pearl grey at sunset. The clouds, always so dreamy, covered the trees in the mountains with their blanket. What a pleasant surprise they would have had when they heard Alanaire’s first song, dedicated to the soul of the trees. The opening verse set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon in the garden of Can Prunera:

If I were a tree, patience would be my habit…

And like the one who speaks the secret language of the wind, Laura Serra (vocals and keyboard) became the muse of the leaves, roots and reeds, holding the hearts of the audience with the delicacy of her singing. Accompanied by her faithful musical friend, Leire Corpas (guitar and backing vocals), they created an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. The blackbirds also acted as backing singers; even the sparrows, so playful, stopped fluttering their wings to listen to Laura and Leire turn poetry into music. A melodic alchemy was produced, a universal harmony that united us and made us feel more relaxed, perhaps more human.

Alanaire also danced inside the memory of those who are no longer with us. In a subtle and elegant way, they introduced one of their latest songs, Aurora, an in memoriam dedicated to Aurora Picornell: whose smile continues to light up paths even after her death. We must not forget a past that is also ours. Now we return home, they reminded us. Returning is always an adventure, it is retracing your steps, looking back and, perhaps, smiling at what you have experienced, but also at what you have suffered. Reflective music, in short, which leaves a mark and helps you live better.

There was also time for care and affection. They healed our sorrows when they paid tribute to another great singer, Lucía Fumero, a pianist born in Barcelona but with Argentine roots. Like two professional ventriloquists, they brought Lucía’s voice to life and moved us again when they sang:

Looking for a thousand remedies, I found my prayer,
because when I sing, I protect my heart.

These words are imbued with great sensitivity and beauty. That is the exquisiteness of Alanaire’s minimalism, which also leaves space for philosophy and reflection. One of the assistants, Max, an elderly English poet and musician who lives in Sóller, told us that his soul was filled with emotion as he headed home. He did not expect to find such beauty at Can Prunera.
Just as surprised as Max were the American, English, French and Belgian attendees who came to the concert. The song No m’ho esperava (I didn’t expect it) sums up their amazement. Sung like a spiritual mantra tempering the contemporary noise, Alanaire inspired calm and exuded literature:

The words I say escape me,
a crack has suddenly opened,
and, suddenly, clarity has entered.
I didn’t expect it.

This is exactly what they kept repeating to us over and over again: I didn’t expect it! What an unexpected surprise! And we ask ourselves: Isn’t the unexpected, the unnoticed and the amazing usually the spice of life, the seasoning of our days? Thank you, Alanaire, for existing and for reminding us that the simple things and truly human feelings are always a triumph over the superfluous and the strident.

On Saturday, 25th October, we will be able to enjoy the last concert of the Nits de Libél·lula cycle in the garden of Can Prunera with a concert by Leire Corpas, guitar and vocals, which will put the finishing touch to a music festival that promises to return next year.