Isaac Albéniz ： Suite Espanola No.1 Cataluna Op.47-2

A short piece from Albéniz’s Suite Española No. 1, evoking the landscape of Catalonia and possessing a dance-like character. Its melodies have a lyrical expansiveness, while the rhythmic movement gives the music lightness and forward momentum. The work can be understood as unfolding through the presentation and development of its themes, with changes in character to appreciate along the way. In performance, it is important to keep the melody from being covered by inner voices or accompaniment and to preserve the long breath of each phrase. The rhythm should have a natural spring rather than becoming rigid; careful attention to the resonance of the chords and subtle changes in dynamics brings out the music’s rich color.