Cordoba comes from a set of pieces by Albeniz called
"Songs of Spain," each one describing a different Spanish province.
The slow introduction to this beautiful piece describes the stillness of a
Spanish night. One moment in particular strikes me because it comes extremely
close to the sound of Russian Orthodox choir music. This is apparently
coincidental, although there are definitely some links between Spanish and
Russian music (starting with two Spanish Overtures by Glinka). The faster part
of Cordoba is like a melancholic serenade accompanied by guitar. Its victorious
major key culmination is interrupted at its peak. The piece never gets all that
fast, however, because Spanish music always contains a feeling of dignity and
melancholy.
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.
Classical Music | Piano Music
Isaac Albéniz
Cordoba, Op. 232, No. 4 Play
Recorded on 07/10/1991, uploaded on 02/12/2009
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Cordoba comes from a set of pieces by Albeniz called "Songs of Spain," each one describing a different Spanish province. The slow introduction to this beautiful piece describes the stillness of a Spanish night. One moment in particular strikes me because it comes extremely close to the sound of Russian Orthodox choir music. This is apparently coincidental, although there are definitely some links between Spanish and Russian music (starting with two Spanish Overtures by Glinka). The faster part of Cordoba is like a melancholic serenade accompanied by guitar. Its victorious major key culmination is interrupted at its peak. The piece never gets all that fast, however, because Spanish music always contains a feeling of dignity and melancholy.
Dmitry Paperno
More music by Isaac Albéniz
Evocacion
Granada, from Suite Española No. 1
Tango (arr. Leopold Godowksy)
Almeria, from Suite Iberia Book II
El Polo, from Suite Iberia
Asturias (Leyenda)
Asturias (Leyenda)
El Albaicín, from Suite Iberia Book III
La Vega
Granada
Performances by same musician(s)
Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79, No. 2
Hommage à Rameau, from Images, Book 1
Canzona serenata, from Forgotten Motives Op. 38
Mazurka in A-flat Major, Op. 41, No. 4
Le rappel des oiseaux (Bird Calls)
Ballade No. 4 in f minor, Op. 52
Etude Op. 10, No. 8 in F Major
Prelude Op. 32, No. 5, in G Major
Mélodie d'Orfée (tr.Sgambati)
Gretchen am Spinnrade (tr. Liszt)
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.