La Violetera

La Violetera - a new arrangement for piano and string trio, of a classic song from the 1910s, “La Violetera”. Originally written for Spanish cabaret singers, the original form was a habanera. It was quickly morphed into a Tango style, which is what I based my arrangement on since, for me, it captures so well the feeling of this timeless piece.
MUSIC INSIGHTS:
Like many people, I first heard this piece of music in Charlie Chaplin’s classic film, “City Lights”. Chaplin chose the music as the music for his female lead, a blind flower seller who encounters him and mistakes his tramp character for a well-to-do gentleman. Chaplin chose the music for its delicate and touching themes - she is a happy character making a simple living in the world. She is shown enjoying what she has, though like us all, she dreams of more. Of course, the plot develops and to know more you need to watch the film - no spoilers here!
The surprising thing about this film is that it was actually a sound picture. Chaplin did not believe in “talking pictures” as he felt his character, the Little Tramp, could never speak. So when he made this film, he recorded a music track in place of dialog.
The music is much older than the 1931 film. It was written in 1914 by Spanish composer José Padilla while he was working in Paris. It’s lyrics are by Eduardo Montesinos. The final work was premiered in Barcelona and later popularized by Spanish singer Raquel Meller, who Chaplin failed to retain for his later film - hence it is an instrumental arrangement in his film. Padilla was also uncredited and successfully took Chaplin to court for royalties ...
La Violetera has been performed by a broad spectrum of artists, including French singer Dalida, Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, American singer Barbara Streisand, to name a few. It has also been featured in several other films.
I have played the themes from this music literally for decades, often late at night when the world is asleep around me and I have been in the mood, after a long day, to travel where the music takes me. Thus, I assembled the various themes and improvisations over a long time - a lifetime. When I recorded it recently, I also decided to provide an accompaniment for the first time:
What you hear is a piano soloing in front of a string trio - viola, cello and double bass. My apologies to violinists for their exclusion: the piano stood its ground well enough alone in terms of the melody. The viola and cello were already enough accompaniment with the double bass providing the deep grounding for the piano. Hence, I had no easy way to include a violin - and I trust my father will forgive me as he was quite the violinist.
It is a fun, delicate piece to play and requires a steady calm beat to ensure it is not overplayed in the ears of the audience. The music is hopeful in a tentative way. So are the lyrics - which are concerned with a flower seller trying hard to sell her wares to someone who is aware that her eyes simply burn into him and so he must buy a flower for his buttonhole. It is a story of two people meeting by chance in the street and yet recognizing the goodness of each other, plus knowing that in that one simple transaction they became more than they each were separately.
Hope, happiness, satisfaction, beauty, connection and love- all things we need in this world, particularly at the moment, and all things I heard in the music’s themes as I arranged them into this track.
VIDEO INSIGHTS:
For the video segment this time I decided to do something I’ve not done before: I used someone else’s work. How could it be otherwise when Mr. Chaplin created such a wonderful film? Of course, I could not score his entire film but, as you will see, I have captured much of its essence with but a few scenes.
Please do indicate if you like the music and/or video - it would encourage me to release other new works. Also, please do subscribe to this channel so that you get announcements of all future releases.
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You will also receive our free eBook, Musical Notes - Composing & Arranging, which explains how I compose and arrange music - various techniques and knowledge that anyone can use to better understand music, with or without wanting to compose or arrange any music.
This performance of La Violetera was created and recorded in Seattle on a Nord Piano 3 in September 2020. Ableton Live 10 was used for post processing and for the final mix. At some time in the future it will be released for streaming.
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[@giovannimarchesi3776]

In my opinion, "City Lights" is the most beautiful film in the history of cinema: a perfectly calibrated succession of bitter comedy sequences, which becomes touching humanity and kindness when the blind girl enters the scene, and the beautiful theme of " The violetera" resounds. The final sequence is a masterpiece in the masterpiece.

[@SoloHands]

I could not agree more. Chaplin at his best - acting, writing and directing. The story is timeless and the music sublime. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@edwardmorford2202]

I'm born and bred in Lambeth in London where Charlie comes from. We're so proud of the little man and cinematic giant that he was and still is❤️✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@nellycartes8744]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ,THE BEST FILM I EVER SAW....I SEE IT MANY MANY TIMES

[@Qetuoad954]

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to see and hear this again ! Great inspiration and nice job...

[@SoloHands]

Glad you liked it and so glad it inspires you …

[@miguelsuarez8010]

The genius of Chaplin, who understood perfectly well the psychology of his characters, created an astonishing, moving scene with the interaction between the Tramp and the flower girl. The timing of each movement in the scene is of a perfection few mortals can achieve. It took many takes to do the scene. Once I saw the unused cuts.

[@SoloHands]

Exactly! He was a genius.

[@urielleactriz6896]

With the music of master Padilla...

[@miguelsuarez8010]

@@urielleactriz6896 it was added for the video.

[@urielleactriz6896]

@@miguelsuarez8010 actor and director Charles Chaplin who was exactly the same age that Padilla used the score for one of his films. He did not ask Padilla for permission or quote him in his credits. Padilla filed a lawsuit and won the trial

[@miguelsuarez8010]

@@urielleactriz6896 oh, I didn't know. Thank you.

[@jud424]

Every end of the year, I watch this motion picture. It makes me have a combine feeling of joy and sadness. Where are the good old years ? Blessings to All.

[@SoloHands]

Well said! I'm with you 100%.

[@sxhbk]

I heard this in scent of a woman. i never knew it was in the chaplin film first... both films having a blind character... Amazing

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ahabbellamy8098]

The guy is also called Charlie in the Scent of a woman movie. (The young man) And the walking stick. "Scent of a woman" as in the blind woman knew the kindness and knew Charlie chaplin without even seeing him. She just knew him from his scent and the warmth of his hands. Definitely the movie is inspired by Charlie Chaplin.

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

프랑스 젠틀맨 찰리채플린프랑스 존경합니다 🙏 👍 🙆 💕 😀 😄

[@user-em4hv5fq3k]

The most popular actor in the world...CHAPLIN.

[@SoloHands]

Indeed, Chaplin was an amazing talent - both as an actor and a director. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@MOGGS1942]

The original film music is far better than the music chosen for this extract. Chaplin's music is so right for the full enjoyment of the film, full of emotion.

[@robertrobertino9422]

Yes.

[@antoniode]

I love this scene! Chaplin was a really genius! 👏👏👏

[@SoloHands]

Indeed he was. I picked the two scenes used because they are the bookends to the film - the set up and the extremely touching reveal/conclusion. True genius writing and film making!

[@user-rw6rx4sc7j]

I very often watch City Lights. I feel a deep feeling of sadness. The French says it sadly, too, " Tristesse ". I always enjoy that deep feeling of sadness. There is a little joy in sadness ❤.

[@SoloHands]

It is indeed a truly touching story and quite advanced in its film making devices for the time in which it was made. The central theme of that final scene when she realizes who her benefactor was - the one who raised the money for her sight to be restored and yet had nothing himself except the tattered clothes he wore. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feelings.

[@user-rw6rx4sc7j]

@@SoloHands You are welcome ! Cheers.

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

찰리채플린프랑스 존경합니다 ㅎㅎ 평창동 바봉이거든 74살야

[@megangraves3304]

Awwww! This was so sweet! I love that you put this together with that lovely movie clip with Charlie Chaplin!

[@SoloHands]

Yes, classic film and very moving, even almost 100 years later …

[@joline2730]

It was two clips : at first when they meet, and last when they meet again at the end of the film. My abso favourite CC film. The tune is so lovely too from José Padilla.

[@art.demirjian9721]

What a sentimental attachment! Being a blind and then recognizing the Lover through the "Feeling of a Touch". God is given to a Mankind remarkable ability to express appreciation and serve each other! Cannot be a better Gift than that. I really love this video! 😊❤😇

[@SoloHands]

Thanks! It is a truly timeless theme for a film and so well executed by Chaplin & his cast.

[@franciscojosecarasocoronad5265]

AMAZING ... The best version of LA VIOLETERA . Thanks from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@SoloHands]

Thank you for such a great complement. So glad it pleased you.

[@joline2730]

@@SoloHands Just read your notes - you are wrong about this being the tune in the Tango scene in Scent of a Woman. Very similar, but it defo is NOT La Violetera. Go listen to (Tango) it again - I have.

[@SoloHands]

@@joline2730 Hi ... thanks for catching that. You are, of course, correct. The Tango in "Scent of a Woman" is "Por una Cabeza" (which I also released on this channel in April of 2020) ... I'm not sure what I was thinking of when I wrote that in the track notes for this Tango. More than likely a different film but the name of this one was in my mind for some reason. My apologies!!! I try to get the track notes as accurate as I possibly can. I appreciate the correction and will fix the track note accordingly!

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@lydiamangiardi6032]

Exquisite is all I can say. Words can't measure up. Beautifully played. I loved your description of playing late at night after the world has gone to sleep so the music can take you where nothing else can. I can almost hear your music drifting out at night and floating onto the cool air and entering my window. Oh, it would be heaven. The beauty of life is held in moments like this, where the magic drifts in unannounced and floods the heart with awareness like the dead stop when eyes meet and shake the soul aeake. Thanks for keeping the magic alive, for your beautiful music, your sensitive rendition, your descriptions and your generous heart offerings where space and time pose no barrier to touching the heart. Lovely to read all the other beautiful comments too. Oh, how we need these things to break the heart open and let it fly. "For this relief, much thanks" 😘

[@SoloHands]

Thank you for listening and that awesome description of your reaction. It is such a beautiful piece of music to begin with and Chaplin used it so effectively. I've loved both the music and the film forever and it was a great project to create this music video. So glad to hear of such a great reaction as yours. Thank you for taking the time to write it! 🙏

[@leewilson77]

☺️

[@user-bp4su3kk2l]

This one scene between Chaplin and the flower girl took over 500 days to film. The finished clip is a masterpiece everything was perfect.

[@SoloHands]

Indeed! Thanks for leaving your comment.

[@marisaelenenadiejamusiccom3974]

Wow. Beautiful

[@SoloHands]

Thanks!

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

First, thank you for a lovely updating of the score. City Lights, IMHO, is one of the greatest films ever published. It is masterpiece of emotional drama. I refer to the ending as a litmus test for empathy. Do not trust your own feelings with anyone who does not cry openly, or at least fill up, at the end. If you watch just the end, looking for that moment, it's not there. It arises organically and inseparable from all that has gone on through the entire film. Even the scene shown here from a point near the start of the story is essential to the "dialogue" that informs the films last moments. I've read somewhere, more than once, that the opening flower seller scene took 37 takes to satisfy Chaplain demanding standards.

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for leaving such a detailed comment - and glad you liked my arrangement. I agree with you about City Lights - truly a masterpiece. So wonderfully balanced and emotionally engaging.

[@danielromero3464]

Que hermosa obra de arte está película

[@SoloHands]

Yes, it is truly a great work of art! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@reinaldomamede3355]

Adoro Charles Chaplin. Ao som de "LA VIOLETERA" então, um dos meus filmes favoritos. Apesar de "retrô", já revi algumas vezes. Acho que SARITA MONTIEL", está incrivelmente impecável. Saudades saudosas... Chega a doer... Pena que já não se fazem filmes românticos como antigamente. Enfim... É vida que segue...

[@SoloHands]

Yes, Chaplin was a genius and the Tango, "La Violetera" was the perfect choice. I also think it sad that such balanced films are not really the style of films today. Their simplicity and directness are quite amazing. Thank you for leaving your comment and enjoying my arrangement and the clips from his film.

[@urielleactriz6896]

La violetera created by master Padilla.. a great spanish composer

[@drdebsweet]

Charming piece of music! The Chaplin film brought be back to the days of film studies in college. Lovely!

[@SoloHands]

It is a remarkable film with such a great set of messages in it. Glad you enjoyed the couple of scenes and the arrangement of the music.

[@sonsolescruchaga8553]

La violetera is a Spanish song.

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

인정합니다 대화힘들어 아쉬움을 갓지마 세요

[@biagior7302]

What a masterpiece! ❤

[@SoloHands]

Thanks ... It is a wonderful piece of music indeed!

[@martinakluck9192]

❤Chaplin ❤

[@SoloHands]

I could not agree more! Thanks for your comment!!

[@johnlunn9669]

Tuned a bit late as I forgot I was back in the UK. Love the music and the images.

[@SoloHands]

Better late than never! Thanks!!

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@germainunrein5694]

très prenant de beauté

[@SoloHands]

Merci!

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@SoloHands]

Truly a win for the composer and composers in general, particularly considering the deep pockets Padilla took on.

[@urielleactriz6896]

@@SoloHands a triumph for legality in art and make an artist value the work devoteis artitas and pay to get rich with the art of a composer trying not even to put it in the credits to appear before the world as the composer... that's called stealing ...chaplin was unique but had very dark parts. Just like his character was an imitation of Marcelino Orbès who ended up ruined and taking his own life in a motel, I guess that's why he couldn't sue him... not to mention his pedophilic tendencies

[@lucianodifrancesco6887]

💫

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for leaving your comment!

[@franciscojosecarasocoronad5265]

My emotions wake up… I’m so happy, with many tears . From 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, nov 2021 🌳 🤗 🧡

[@SoloHands]

So glad this pleased you so much! Thank you for leaving your comment.

[@madame-rosalitaduchesse7636]

Je peux voir ce scene mille fois et je peux pleurer mille fois.

[@SoloHands]

Moi Aussi!

[@madame-rosalitaduchesse7636]

Le jeu insidieux avec les sentiments...

[@SoloHands]

@@madame-rosalitaduchesse7636 Biensure!

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

연기잘하죠

[@user-qi8wi2ty5w]

Amo esta melodía.

[@SoloHands]

It is truly beautiful! Thank you for sharing your comment!

[@maryonowirorejo3674]

Kamprettt.... Apik....!

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for leaving your comment!

[@olgamariaramosmadrid]

La música de "La violetera" compuesta por el español José Padilla fue la banda sonora perfecta para la bellisima película de Chaplin.

[@SoloHands]

Gracias por tu comentario. ¡Estoy absolutamente de acuerdo!

[@olgamariaramosmadrid]

@@SoloHands Gracias! Creo que no está de más recordar quien fue el autor de La violetera habida cuenta de que el señor Chaplin no lo aclaró en los créditos de la película lo que motivó la denuncia de Padilla. Tras un largo juicio, todo quedó aclarado.

[@SoloHands]

Definitivamente vale la pena recordar quién fue el compositor: Padilla fue un gran hombre. ¡Lo menciono en las notas y solo agregué el punto de que no estaba acreditado pero prevaleció con éxito en la corte por regalías y reconocimiento! ¡Gracias por el recordatorio!

[@olgamariaramosmadrid]

@@SoloHands muchas gracias. Efectivamente, José Padilla fue tan grande que su música fue declarada en 1989 Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO.

[@nopposann777]

映画史上最高のラストシーンやな

[@SoloHands]

As you say, it truly is the best last seen of any film ... it captures so much emotion and leaves you with an incredible feeling of humanity. Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@mireyaquiroz5253]

So sweet❤❤

[@SoloHands]

Thanks!

[@sanidamagasa]

Thank you..

[@SoloHands]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

신순안녕 러브레터 즐거운타임 되세요 모닝커피드셔 용용

[@sanita7475]

Que pena las personas que no pueden ver son tan vulnerables con gente sin escrupulos que les pueden engañar, la musica de la violetera preciosa con piano, tambien hizo muy famosa a Sara Montiel con su pelicula del mismo titulo.

[@SoloHands]

Thank you for watching and listening. I agree that it is such a pity that people with sight issues are so frequently taken advantage of. Thank you also for the reference to the great work of Sara Montiel ... well worth watching her film of the same name!

[@sanita7475]

@@SoloHands Thank you for putting this lovely video, I enjoyed very much, Chaplin was so great too.

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

첫애인 였는데 아쉬워 😢 😂 😭 💦 👀 🤔

[@ferens2336]

Very Spanish..from my Spain..

[@SoloHands]

Indeed! Thanks for commenting!

[@alisherfozil5568]

👍

[@SoloHands]

Glad you liked it!

[@elgrandragondelasuerte2775]

Feliz Primavera 2022 para todos!

[@SoloHands]

¡Gracias!

[@franciscoalvarezcruz3370]

La mejor Sarita Montiel

[@SoloHands]

Absolutely! Thanks for commenting.

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

부인57생야 양복희 행복해

[@robertopavone282]

Poche monetine in tasca ma un cuore molto ricco. Verrà ricompensato dall'amore. Solo un animo gentile può riconoscere un'anima a lui gemella. I due si somigliano. Bel video.

[@SoloHands]

It truly is Chaplin's best work. The story is touching and I'm glad you liked this music video. Thank you for your comment.

[@zinovyitskovich3578]

Писал сам. Играл сам. А другие рядом с ним получили славу.

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for your comment and good to hear your music is doing well. Not sure where you messaged me as I have not seen any messages.

[@chengchoonfei794]

Film maker James Cameron created the film Titanic, I hope he remake this film city light with another touching theme song

[@SoloHands]

It would indeed be interesting to see what he would do with this film. That said, Chaplin (as director) created something unique in this film that has well stood the test of time.

[@pavezparvez6593]

Real axshen

[@SoloHands]

Thanks for taking time to leave a comment!

[@urielleactriz6896]

actor and director Charles Chaplin who was exactly the same age that Padilla used the score for one of his films. He did not ask Padilla for permission or quote him in his credits. Padilla filed a lawsuit and won the trial

[@SoloHands]

Yes, he created a truly great piece of music and it was so good that he prevailed and won the lawsuit!

[@urielleactriz6896]

@@SoloHands Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@pilarmaria955]

La violetera, autor: José padilla

[@SoloHands]

I do believe I have the composer correctly named as you indicate. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@urielleactriz6896]

Padilla composed this melody in 1914 and it was a worldwide success in 1916 sung by Raquel Meyer. She was going to participate in this Chaplin film filmed in 1931. Chaplin used it without the permission of the composer and for that he was sued and obviously the composer Padilla won the lawsuit

[@aracelimartinez7211]

😂😢🎉😅😮😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤Rakaastan!!😢😮😊😊😊😢😢🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@SoloHands]

So glad to see that you enjoyed this so much!!!

[@ivomitar8553]

Tako osjećajno s pjesmom prodavačica ljubičica

[@SoloHands]

Yes, it is a touching story echoed by an equally touching song ... thanks for watching/listening! / Da, to je dirljiva priča koju odjekuje jednako dirljiva pjesma ... hvala na gledanju/slušanju!

[@user-yp5ur8jc5m]

첫애인 였는데 아쉬워 😢 😂 😭 💦 👀 🤔