I didn't know that the Spanish National Anthem was wordless since the end of Franco. That seems not especially a plus point in a National Anthem. Even though I live in a country where the dirge-like tune of the nat. ant. is surpassed by its uninspiring and inappropriate words, I nevertheless get a feeling that a national anthem is supposed to be singable and have words that inspire a sense of patriotism or somesuch.
The new words have been leaked to the Press before time and have come under criticism, especially from the Left. Obviously, I can only really understand the translated version, which I am sure loses something, but I can see the reasons for criticism, even though I am tempted to say they are far far better than what passes as a 'national' anthem where I live*
Anyway, the full story is at Ya hay letra para el himno y el tenor Plácido Domingo la estrenará el día 2, and some English media coverage.
New words for old Spanish anthem
The last word? Spaniards agonise over anthem lyrics
Anger as Spanish anthem's lyrics leaked
The sharp-eyed amongst you will note that the official launch will take place on January 21st, which is, of course, Plácido's birthday. He is due to be recording in Brussels at the time, presumably the Fedora with Angela Gheorghiu I found reference to some time ago. I did think there was quite a gap between the final Iphigenie at the Met (December 22) and the first Cyrano at La Scala (January 29). A concert scheduled for Florida was cancelled because there was nowhere for the orchestra to rehearse (numptiness in action...). There has been a new addition to the growing restaurant empire, Madeiras in Acapulco
Oh, and he's producing an album for his actress niece, Maite Embil.
* England doesn't have a National Anthem, although Wales and Scotland do, and when England is involved in sporting action, as England, it is customary to play the anthem of the United Kingdom (even when up against teams from other nations of the UK) even though it is not a national anthem but a hymn for the Head of State
