Isaac Albeniz

Espana

 

Evocative of the sounds, colours and moods of Spain.  Albeniz adeptly captures flamenco, tango, guitars, castanets and hot summer nights covering many Spanish regions. 

 

Great study material for developing pianists because the textures are quite airy and transparent. There is nowhere to hide! Control of tone, particularly through very careful pedalling, is essential.   The Prelude is particularly challenging  for tone control and phrasing.  The Malaguena and Tango are great fun to play - iconic Spanish styles - but don't make the Tango too sentimental. Capricho Catalan is simply charming - but difficult to achieve the clean legato required in the melodic line. Serenata is full of energy and Spanish mood changes - and is also the most difficult to play of the set.  Zortzico is based on a traditional Catalan dance from the Basque region on the border with France.  With its 5 beats in the bar rhythm is has the feeling of a little hop/skip on the 1st beat.

 

Hola!