Classical Music | Guitar Music

Recorded on 11/02/2004, uploaded on 01/11/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Asturias (Leyenda)      Isaac Albeniz

Albeniz's prelude, is perhaps the quintessential "Spanish guitar" piece. A favorite of Andres Segovia, and virtually every guitarist that followed him, the piece has become so widely identified with the guitar that most are astonished to discover that the work was originally written for the piano.

Isaac Albeniz wrote the piece during the early 1890's, most likely in London where he had established himself as a concert pianist and theatre composer. The work was first published in Barcelona in 1892 as the opening "Preludio" of a three movement set entitled "Chants d' Espagne", op. 232.

This most evocative piece of music, has inspired numerous dramatic stories, ranging from biblical thunderstorms to devastating earthquakes, which are usually found as adornments to the backs of old covers.    Ana Vidovic

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.