What did this album signify for Maria del Mar Bonet?
This debut full-length album was a milestone in her career. After releasing a smaller project, she began to treat this record as a pivotal step forward for her path as a vocalist. The project, shaped by a thoughtful report from Toni Catany, the design by Francesc Guitart, and especially the arrangements by Antoni Ros-Marbà, became a labor of energy and a source of genuine satisfaction for Bonet.
Is there a tendency to revisit past work, or to review it critically after time has passed?
She does not dwell on it. Her gaze stays fixed on the present and the days ahead. Recently, she did listen to the album from start to finish, and she heard a young voice with many meanings. She values the record for its fresh, timeless quality rather than for any second-guessing of its origins.
On the cover art, what do the eyes convey today that they did at the time the photos were taken?
The gaze is a tribute to Toni Catany. The photo shoot at Francesc Guitart’s venue captured light that filtered through a courtyard, yielding a double portrait that remains remarkably timeless. That image marked the beginning of a recurring collaboration with Catany for future record photography.
How did the friendship between the two begin, given their long-standing collaboration?
The friendship formed in Palma, a few years before 1970. Bonet was still living with her family but had already set her sights on Barcelona. She met Catany when she was eighteen during an interview held with him and Joan Manresa at her Pelleteria home. After moving to Barcelona, their connection grew into a lasting, intimate partnership rooted in trust and mutual respect.
Did Bonet participate in selecting the cover art, or did Catany guide that choice?
Catany had the vision for the cover, and Bonet followed his instinct, recognizing it as an outstanding concept. She has always maintained a steady, artistic dialogue with Catany, even when she did not have a concrete idea of her own for the imagery.
Antoni Ros-Marbà’s role as arranger has long been noted in this album. What impact did his work have?
Ros-Marbà’s contribution was transformative. He brought a musical envelope and a coherent sense of taste that united the entire record. Bonet expresses deep appreciation for him, recalling his early forays into conducting and his limited focus on music for emerging vocalists. She considers herself fortunate to begin her recording career with him and values the collaboration highly.
The album has been reissued in vinyl and CD formats. Do these formats carry a special significance for Bonet?
Absolutely. Physical formats, especially vinyl, offer a richer listening experience that many feel is diminished on smaller carriers. Bonet believes the nuances of harmony, voice, and instrumental textures are better preserved on vinyl, describing it as the closest thing to a live, authentic listening experience. She even notes that streaming platforms do not hold the same appeal for her.
Listening to the record evokes a sense of Mallorca that may be lost to time. How does Bonet envision Mallorca in fifty years?
She declines to romanticize a potentially dwindling Mallorca. If development continues unchecked and natural spaces are degraded, the island could lose its balance. Ongoing tourism and disruption of the Serra worry her. She fears a future where ecological and cultural aspects might fade, leaving merely a tourist landscape. The idea troubles her deeply.
During the holiday season, Bonet has performed Sibilla the Saint, and she has thoughts about her plans for the holidays?
She used to perform Sibilla at the Bonanova church in Barcelona for more than twenty years, though she has since moved away from that tradition. She treasures those performances as a meaningful Christmas ritual that connected her with philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting Raval’s children, an organization aiding young people from North Africa who face serious challenges. Celebrating Christmas without family feels different, so she will share the holiday with her brother and friends, though the festive period never fully mirrors what it once was. The absence of friends and family weighs heavily on her, but she still cherishes the moments she shared with Catany and others who shaped those memories.