La Yave d’Espanya

This is one of Flory’s most important songs, one of a handful from the Sephardic song repertoire that express the longing for Spain that Sephardic exiles felt—and that many still feel more than five centuries after their expulsion (See notes on the poem for the song “A tí, España”). After all, Jews had settled in Spain during Roman times, perhaps even centuries earlier, and many had prospered and held important positions in the royal courts of both Christian and Muslim rulers, and made significant contributions to the scientific, cultural, and intellectual life in Spain, especially under Moorish rule (711 – 1492).

When the infamous Edict of Expulsion was issued by Isabella and Ferdinand in January 1492 Jews were given three months either to convert to Christianity or leave the country; those who chose conversion often became targets of the Inquisition for practicing Judaism in secret. The number who chose exile is unknown, but most scholars agree that well in excess of 100,000 left for Portugal (only to be exiled again in 1497), North Africa, southern France, Italy, the Balkans, and Turkey. Flory’s song speaks poignantly of the longing the exiles felt and is based on the legend that when the Jews left their homes they took their house keys in hopes of someday returning. Several years ago Flory taught Howard the accompaniment and she later taught the vocal part to Susan.