La Expiación de
San lorenzo
Piece for B‑flat trumpet and organ.
The Piece
The Expiation of Saint Lawrence is a musical immersion into the tragic and violent fate of one of Christianity’s most emblematic martyrs, Saint Lawrence. However, the work’s approach avoids visceral dramatism or explicit violence. The piece addresses the concept of expiation from a theological and mystical perspective, founded on these three axioms:
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Suffering understood as a process of purification and surrender.
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The serene acceptance of destiny.
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The spiritual passage from earthly pain toward transcendence and divine light.
Thus, this piece stands out for its profound lyricism and intimate atmosphere, where the trumpet acts as the human voice, the very soul of Saint Lawrence. Its melodic line moves poignantly between silent prayer, lament, and final redemption. Meanwhile, the organ shapes dense, enveloping textures that evoke the immensity of the sacred space, the weight of history, and the solemnity of the Herrerian monument.
In short, it is an introspective work in which the music renounces empty virtuosity to become pure spiritual contemplation.
The work was performed by the great trumpeter Marcos Quesada and the magnificent organist Pedro Alberto Sánchez. In the photograph are also the mayor of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Mrs. Carlota López Esteban, and the prior of the "Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial," Friar José Luis del Valle Merino.
A Historic and Institutional Premiere
The work’s connection to the Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is complete, both in its inspiration and in its living history.
The piece was premiered as part of the commemorative events for the 40th anniversary of the Monastery’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As a sign of this indissoluble bond, the work was formally dedicated to the Royal Site. During the official ceremonies, the composer personally presented an institutional copy of the score, signed and dedicated, which has since been kept in the Monastery’s archive as part of its contemporary musical heritage.
Excerpt recorded on the day of the premiere.