Podcast Summary: Más de uno – José Manuel Zapata: "El mayor instrumento que ha creado el ser humano para transmitir emociones es la orquesta sinfónica"

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Guest: José Manuel Zapata
Date: December 15, 2025

Overview

This lively episode of "Más de uno" sees renowned tenor José Manuel Zapata join Carlos Alsina and his team for a humorous, musical, and emotional morning. Zapata is presenting his new album "Gigantes," a symphonic recreation of iconic twentieth-century songs, and teasing a live concert in Madrid. Throughout the episode, the cast and a parade of celebrity impersonations (Shakira, Rosalía, Alaska, Luz Casal, Melody, etc.) mix comedy with probing questions about music, voice, and artistic inspiration. Musical snippets, banter, and thoughtful reflections on the power of orchestra and the craft of song reinterpretation drive the conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Album and Concert Presentation

• Zapata's New Album "Gigantes":

  • Zapata introduces "Gigantes," a project reimagining legendary songs from the 20th century with new symphonic arrangements.
  • The album aims to "create a space for people to fall in love again with slow-cooked, emotional music" ([10:38] Zapata).
  • The arrangements—crafted by Juan Francisco Padilla—blend pop classics with subtle nods to classical music, challenging listeners to spot hidden musical references.

• Concert at Príncipe Pío:

  • The live presentation ("mañana", i.e., December 16) at Madrid's Teatro Príncipe Pío with Orquesta Sinfónica Castilla La Mancha.
  • Special guests include Juan Jobón performing Camilo Sesto’s "Vivir así es morir de amor" ([08:28]–[10:01]).

• Collaborations & Bonus Tracks:

  • Surprises for the concert include performing "villancicos" ("Campanilleros," "Pastores Benil") as seasonal bonuses ([11:29]).

2. Musical Philosophy and Artistic Process

• On Orchestras and Emotion:

  • Zapata delivers the episode's central idea:
    "El mayor instrumento que el ser humano ha creado para transmitir emociones es la orquesta sinfónica." – [10:38] José Manuel Zapata
  • He discusses how orchestras elevate familiar songs, imparting new emotional power and depth.

• Recreating vs. Covering Music:

  • Zapata differentiates between "recreación" and "versión":

    "Hacer una recreación más que una versión. Pero no la he hecho yo; la ha hecho Juan Francisco Padilla, que es quien ha cogido la orquesta." ([10:38])

  • He praises how Padilla inserts classical "cells" into pop arrangements—a subtlety spotted live by Goyo Jiménez.

• Reflection on Music Consumption:

  • A lament about lost patience in modern listening habits and the value in savoring music “a fuego lento” ([11:10]).

3. Light-hearted Banter & Humorous Moments

• The Galleta (Cookie) Saga ([00:36]–[02:51]):

  • The show kicks off with a playful debate over the origin and distribution of gingerbread cookies, quickly devolving into jokes about generosity and ginger's effect on singers' voices.

• Ginger as Vocal Aid ([03:19]–[04:08]):

  • Zapata and the team joke about the singer's relationship with ginger, with the line:

    "Si puedes soportar el picor del jengibre... Crece el vello corporal." ([03:51]–[03:52])

• Comic Business Proposals ([25:46]–[26:43]):

  • Leo Harlem cheekily advises Zapata to launch a "Diminutives" album—singing less famous songs and making them great, instead of starting with "Gigantes."

• Improvised Opera for Children's Songs ([28:29]–[29:52]):

  • The gang turns a children's song about toilet habits into a mock-operatic number—blending silliness and musicality.

4. Star Impersonations & ‘Interviews’

A parade of humorous celebrity impersonations brings star power and playful interrogation, allowing Zapata to discuss his reinterpretation choices and pay homage to these artists.

• Shakira ([13:57]–[15:54]):

  • Asks Zapata why he chose "Hay amores" instead of her more controversial tracks. Zapata praises her "relaxed" bolero compositional style.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "Porque esta la compusiste cuando no estabas enfadada y se te nota el relax. Es un bolero. Es que es maravillosa, maestra." ([14:50]–[15:01])

• Rosalía ([16:07]–[18:44]):

  • Compliments Zapata on his orchestral approach and jokes about how she should have gone to the Extremadura orchestra instead of London's.
  • Suggests potential collaborations, and jokes about song dedications to exes:

    "A un ex que era más tóxico que el agua de Chernóbil..." ([19:05])

• Alaska ([19:24]–[20:24]):

  • Suggests Zapata should tackle songs by Los Pegamoides and duets on "A quién le importa," sung together in-studio.

• Luz Casal ([20:48]–[22:45]):

  • Light-hearted banter about Zapata skipping her repertoire due to royalty concerns.

    "Eso ahora me llamo Led Casal." ([21:35])

  • Offers suggestions for future covers and sings a bit herself.

• Melody ([23:14]–[25:01]):

  • Salutes Zapata as “a diva” and, in typical playful flair, asserts:

    "Porque yo soy una diva. Pero tú también eres una diva y vas a cantar..." ([23:18])

5. Musical Interludes

• Live Performances and Song Snippets:
  • Zapata and company recreate famed tunes—snippets of Camilo Sesto, and impromptu takes on pop and holiday standards pepper the show ([08:53], [12:02], [20:02]).
  • There’s a strong atmosphere of on-air celebration and musical camaraderie.

6. Final Reflections and Closure

• On Positivity and Potential:

  • The crew reflects on the power of music to shape mood and community with a group singalong of Joan Manuel Serrat's “Hoy puede ser un gran día.” ([31:11]–[32:30])

    "Hoy puede ser un gran día, date una oportunidad."

• Announcements ([33:36]–[34:07]):

  • The album "Gigantes" is available on Spotify and other platforms.
  • Concert is December 16 at Teatro Príncipe Pío, Madrid.
  • Final jokes about the Three Kings and their busy holiday itinerary.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• José Manuel Zapata:

  "El mayor instrumento que el ser humano ha creado para transmitir emociones es la orquesta sinfónica." ([10:38])

• On blending genres:

  "Lo que ha hecho Padilla es meter células de música clásica dentro de esas canciones, pero solo para gente muy estudiada." ([10:38])

• Banter with Goyo Jiménez:

  "Goyo Jiménez, eres un... se puede decir fucking crack..." ([10:38])
  "Sería un honor para mí hacer un dúo contigo." ([07:00])

• Zapata on contemporary music:

  "Son canciones que se hacían a fuego lento, ahora se hace todo un poco más con la inmediatez y con la rapidez..." ([10:49])

• Rosalía, humorously on travel:

  "Lo que pasa que es que tardaba más yendo a Extremadura que a Londres con el tren." ([18:19])

• Leo Harlem’s business advice:

  "Tenías que haber empezado Enanito y así vas siempre, de menos a más, en creciente." ([26:01])

• Melody on diva status:

  "Porque yo soy una diva. Pero tú también eres una diva..." ([23:18])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:36]–[02:51]: Morning banter and cookie comedy
• [03:19]–[04:08]: Ginger and singers’ rituals
• [07:08]–[10:01]: Presentation of "Gigantes" and musical philosophy
• [11:26]–[11:44]: Orchestral versions and emotional intent
• [13:57]–[15:54]: Shakira impersonation and banter
• [16:07]–[18:44]: Rosalía impersonation and artistic exchange
• [19:24]–[20:24]: Alaska duet and humor
• [20:48]–[22:45]: Luz Casal’s friendly demands for royalties
• [23:14]–[25:01]: Melody’s playful diva energy
• [28:29]–[29:52]: Mock-opera performance of a children’s song
• [31:11]–[32:30]: Group singalong, “Hoy puede ser un gran día”
• [33:36]–[34:07]: Album availability and concert details

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode bounces between outright comedy, affectionate lampooning, and genuine artistic reflection. The camaraderie is palpable—everyone not only pokes fun, but also expresses real passion for music’s transformative power. Playful impersonations, singalongs, and moments of vulnerability coexist. The tone is energetic, inclusive, musical, and unmistakably celebratory.

For Fans & First-Time Listeners:
This episode offers equal parts humor, musicality, and cultural commentary—a showcase for both the artistry of José Manuel Zapata and the infectious, unconventional spirit of the “Más de uno” team.