ISAAC ALBÉNIZ - SUITE ESPAÑOLA - GRANADA
Introduction[]
Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was a Spanish composer most known for his piano works (that have made their way into the Classical guitar repertoire) as well as Opera and Zarzuela
Granada comes from Albéniz’s first Spanish Suite.
Analysis[]
A few things stand out in the first section of Granada. First, the repetition in the right hand of the piano that provides background to the repeated melody first found in mn. 2-3.
Next, the unprepared switch from F major to A flat major in mn. 21 and then back in mn. 25 (these unprepared switches happen throughout the movement as well.)
Finally, The simple folk like melody found in the first section.
Comparison[]
I would like to compare Granada to another work in the Classical guitar rep, Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra played by Andres Segovia
The lyrical theme by Tárrega is subjected to more chromaticism than that of the one of Albéniz. The harmony for Tárrega helps move the piece forward, while Albéniz provides somewhat of a harmonic bed, through repletion, for his melody.
Observations[]
Granada falls into a big group of Albéniz’s works that are played on guitar. As a former guitarist I felt I could highlight this, less stereotypical one, instead of Asturias.
Works Cited[]
"SAAC ALBÉNIZ - SUITE ESPAÑOLA - GRANADA" YouTube video, 4:03. Posted by "llambergat" upload June 7, 2011. video.
"SRecuerdos de la Alhambra played by Andres Segovia " YouTube video, 5:32. Posted by "chitarracatanzaro" upload December 30, 2012. video.