SPANISH DANCE No. 9
Notes by Pierre La Plante
Spanish composer and pianist Enrique Granados was a born in 1867. A native of Catalan, he, like Albeniz, was greatly influenced by Spanish folk music. He studied in Paris where he met the leading composers of the day, including Debussy, Ravel, and Saint-Säens. Although Granados composed almost 150 works, including operas, chamber and orchestral music, choral music and song cycles, he is best remembered for his Danzas Espanolas and the suite Goyescas, all intended for piano. Both Granados and Albeniz are credited with raising the profile and popularity of Spanish music throughout the world. A reluctant traveller, Granados journeyed to New York City for a performance of his opera Goyescas in 1916. While returning home, his ship, the Sussex, was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Granados was killed after jumping from the lifeboat in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue his wife.
The 12 Spanish Dances were published first in a series of four sets of three. Spanish Dance No. 9 "Romantica" is said to have been inspired by Basque rhythms and can be heard in transcriptions and arrangements for orchestra, guitar, and brass ensemble. Although some analysts believe it to be in sonatina form, it is more accurately described as a modified rondo. Its mazurka-like quality stems from its three-quarter meter and a reiterated pattern of syncopation on beat two.
Granados was notorious for his sparing use of tempo markings and for his improvisational approach to the performance of his own works. Editorial tempo markings have been provided in this edition and are based upon the study of many recorded performances for piano and other media.
5:15
GRADE IV
$57.00
