Asturias (Leyenda)

Asturias is a work by Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz. Originally, the work was written for piano (Albéniz was an excellent piano player). However, it reminds people of Spanish guitar music, and it is often played on the guitar. ´
It was first published in Barcelona, in 1892. At that time, it was a prelude in a series with three movements, called Chants d'Espagne. In 1911, after the composer's death, it was published with the subtitle Leyenda. Common interpretations of the piece take about six minutes to play.

 Structure 
It was written in the key of G minor. The work starts very quietly (pianissimo in Italian).

The work is characterized by a delicate and complex melody in its middle section.

 History 

Asturias was composed in the 1890s. At that time, Albéniz lived in London. Despite its title, it has little to do with the musical traditions of the Spanish region Asturias. It is more like flamenco, which is typical for Andalusia. It may be that the composer would have preferred a different title. When it was published, Albéniz wrote it as a prelude to his collection of works called 'Chants d'Espagne'. Years later, it was re-published as the fifth movement of his work Suite Espagnole, op. 47. Suite espagnole was published after the composer's death. When Suite Espagnole was published in 1911, the German publisher Hofmeister added the subtitle Leyenda.

 Adaptations 
The work has also been adapted to be played by other instruments. Francisco Tárrega adapted it to be played on the guitar. He changed the key to E minor which works well on the guitar. Today, it is very popular as a work for classical guitar, and gets played often.

 In popular culture 
The work inspired many musical artists of different musical styles. These artis then created their own version of the work.  It has also  been used as a music for movies, tv shows or video games. 
 Adaptations 

 1968 – "Spanish Caravan", track on the album Waiting for the Sun of The Doors; the main theme is used at the start.
 1993 – "Right in the Night (Fall in Love With Music)", used as a soundtrackj of Jam &amp; Spoon with Plavka; incudes a version of the main theme
 2007 – On the 16th of May 2007, during the inauguration of  Nicolas Sarkozy, the theme was interpreted by his wife at the time,  Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz, a grandchild of  Isaac Albéniz.
 2015 – Italian violinist Marco Misciagna publishes a version for solo violin.
 2019 – "Middle of the Night", song by Elley Duhé also uses the main theme

 Other websites 



Category:Solo piano pieces
Category:1890s compositions