Thursday at Zenda. Poetry Thursdays. This Thursday, the focus is on the volume that collects Rafael de León’s Poesía completa. Although nobody typically regards him as one of the most influential poets of Spanish poetry in the 20th century, the truth is that many scholars do not hesitate to regard him, by right, as a member of the Generación del 27, as the author of a substantial and deliberately crafted poetic body.
In the words of the publisher: “Although globally renowned for his unrivaled contribution to the copla, his books Pena y alegría del amor (1941) and Profecía (1954, coauthored with Antonio Quintero) testified to the voice of a man who knew how to intertwine tradition with innovation, creating a unique style that has left an indelible mark on Spanish cultural identity. In collaboration with composers such as Manuel Quiroga and Antonio Quintero, Rafael de León crafted some of the most iconic coplas in Spanish music, performed by legendary artists like Concha Piquer, Juanita Reina and Lola Flores. Among his most famous compositions are “Ojos verdes”, “Tatuaje”, “Y sin embargo te quiero” and “La bien pagá”. These songs stood out for their lyrical depth and León’s ability to capture the emotions and stories of the Spanish people. Prominent names from the newer generations of cultural critics, such as Jesús Pascual, now advocate for him as one of the most interesting and complex creators of Hispanic literature who—eclipsed by his successes in the world of show business—never received the literary recognition he deserves. This volume collects the two complete poetry books he published in life, and is enriched by a photographic appendix that traces moments of his life and his more personal sphere, offering readers poetry that remains strikingly current, lucid, and of impeccable craftsmanship.”
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Author: Rafael de León. Title: Poesía completa. Publisher: Cántico. Available from: Todostuslibros.