Absolute mourning, a tribute to Toña la Negra Dedication and title page

Songs by Agustín Lara (1897-1970), Mexican composer and interpreter of songs and boleros.
Toña la Negra (1912-1982), born María Antonia del Carmen Peregrino, is famous as a singer of boleros and songs by Agustín Lara. Although the bolero originated in Cuba, the Mexican contralto Toña la Negra became one of its greatest performers during its golden age. She never had any formal musical training. Agustín Lara composed many of his boleros especially for her to interpret.
Antonio Martorell is a multifaceted and versatile Puerto Rican artist who has distinguished himself as a printmaker, painter, draughtsman, creator of installations, designer of scenarios and costumes, writer, and illustrator. His fondness for portraits, the art of calligraphy and the theatre arts are well known and represented in his works.