The twelve songs recorded by Delfí Abella as a member of Els Setze Jutges marked a distinctive intersection between his medical career and the Nova Cançó movement. Born in Barcelona in 1925, this Spanish psychiatrist and writer balanced a demanding academic and clinical life at the Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau with a commitment to Catalan cultural expression.
Medical Practice and Academic Contributions
Abella received his education at the University of Barcelona before establishing himself as a fixture in the field of psychiatry. He served as the head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau, providing clinical leadership during a period of transition in medical standards. Alongside his hospital responsibilities, he acted as a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, contributing to the education of future specialists. His academic output was significant, spanning numerous essays and studies, including works on hypochondria, mental hygiene, and the anthropological and existential orientation of psychiatric care.
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In 1961, Abella joined the collective known as Els Setze Jutges, an early and influential group within the Nova Cançó movement. Over his tenure with the group, he released three extended play records, totaling twelve songs. His involvement extended beyond solo performance; he created Catalan-language adaptations of songs originally composed by French chanson artists such as Barbara, Anne Sylvestre, and Guy Béart. These translations were subsequently performed and recorded by notable artists including Joan Manuel Serrat, Maria del Mar Bonet, Maria Amèlia Pedrerol, and Guillermina Motta.
Published Works and Professional Recognition
Throughout his life, Abella maintained a rigorous publishing schedule. His bibliography includes titles such as the 1958 analysis of Mossèn Cinto, the 1961 exploration of character titled El Nostre caràcter, and his 1981 textbook Psiquiatria fonamental. In his later years, he also focused on poetry, publishing the collection Trenta cançons in 1998. He held memberships in professional organizations such as the Royal European Academy of Doctors. In April 2007, shortly after his death in Barcelona, he was posthumously honored with the Medal of Honor of the Parliament of Catalonia, an award accepted by his widow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Barcelona, Spain
- Died: 2007, Barcelona, Spain
- Profession: Psychiatrist, writer, professor, songwriter
- Academic affiliation: Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Musical group: Els Setze Jutges
- Languages: Spanish, Catalan
- Notable honor: Medal of Honor of the Parliament of Catalonia (2007)
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Delfí Abella's contribution to music?
He was a founding member of the Nova Cançó group Els Setze Jutges and translated French chanson works into Catalan for prominent performers.
Where did Delfí Abella teach?
He was a professor of psychiatry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the head of the psychiatry department at the Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau.
Achievements
- Medal of Honor of the Parliament of Catalonia — 2007
- Held posts at Autonomous University of Barcelona
