Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features a streaming audio version of the solo piano piece “Suite Espagnole”, plus a biography of the composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909).. Thanks, Xipeng!
Suite Espagnole by Isaac Albéniz
Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)
Isaac Albéniz, a Spanish musical virtuoso, and his “Suite Espagnole”
Isaac Albéniz was a Spanish composer and pianist known for his significant contributions to Spanish classical music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on May 29, 1860, in Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain, Albéniz demonstrated remarkable musical talent from a young age. He received his initial musical training from his father and then studied in various prestigious institutions across Europe. His compositions often feature intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and a passionate, virtuosic piano technique.
I have been studying “Suite Espagnole” recently. It is one of Albéniz’s notable compositions, showing his profound affinity for Spanish themes and musical traditions. The suite is comprised of eight pieces for solo piano, each representing a different Spanish region, and the piece “Granada” is one of my favorites. It represents the Andalusian city of Granada, which is located in southern Spain and is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, including the Alhambra, a historical palace and fortress complex. This composition is a showcase of Albéniz’s ability to blend classical piano techniques with the traditional sounds of Spanish folk music. Learning this piece always reminds me the memories I spent a summer in Granada with my family.
There’s a biography of this wonderful composer in our music library, Isaac Albeniz: Portrait of a Romantic by Walter Aaron Clark, and feel free to check out the recording, Iberia & Suite española / Albéniz, which is available online!