Selections from Suite española No. 1

Isaac Albéniz began composing his Suite española in 1886, intending to write a collection of eight pieces, each focused on the distinct cultural and musical characteristics of a particular region of Spain. The first four were initially issued as individual pieces, and it wasn’t until 1912, three years after the composer’s death, that the complete eight-movement suite was finally published.

Six selections from the suite are included on tonight’s program. The suite opens with Granada, evoking a warm, sultry evening with strumming chords evoking the sound of a guitar. Cataluña is a wistful dance tune in 6/8 time. With an opening that suggests a festive folk dance, Sevilla offers a lively contrast to the first two movements. Cádiz is a delicate song featuring the distinctive triplet–sixteenth note figures so typical of Spanish music. Quite popular in a transcription for classical guitar, Asturias features driving flamenco-inspired rhythms in the outer sections surrounding a seductive melodic interlude. The suite ends with the lilting habanera titled Cuba, evoking that tropical island’s colonial ties to Spain.

— Michael Strasser