Album: Iberia / Navarra / Suite Española

Introduction
"Iberia/ Navarra/ Suite Española" is a symphonic music album released in 1988, including the compositions of the renowned Spanish author Isaac Albéniz. The album includes performances of numerous of Albéniz's most popular and prominent works, including his magnum opus, "Iberia", in addition to "Navarra" and "Suite Española". This album showcases the best of Albéniz's unique Spanish style, identified by the incorporation of traditional folk music elements, dynamic rhythms, and expressive melodies.

Iberia
"Iberia" is a collection of twelve piano pieces that represent Albéniz's most mature and ingenious works. It is widely considered one of the most challenging piano works in the standard repertoire. Each piece within the suite portrays the environment, culture, and landscape of unique areas in Spain, showing the composer's deep love for his homeland. "Iberia" is divided into four books, each containing three pieces.

Book One: Book One opens with "Evocación", a mild and reflective piece that sets the tone for the entire suite. The 2nd piece, "El Puerto", is dynamic and lively, reminiscent of the dynamic port cities in Spain. "Fête-Dieu à Seville", the last piece of Book One, is a joyful celebration of spiritual festivities, total with the noises of calling bells and processions.

Book Two: The 2nd book starts with "Rondeña", a vibrant and evocative dance from the Andalusian area. This is followed by "Almería", a melodic evocation of the popular seaside resort town. Schedule Two concludes with "Triana", a vibrant and enthusiastic event of the famous Sevillian district known for its dynamic flamenco culture.

Book Three: The 3rd book opens with "El Albaicín", inspired by the historical Granadian district, featuring soulful melodies and elaborate rhythms. This is followed by "El Polo", a mournful and mystical piece based on a flamenco tune type. The 3rd book concludes with "Lavapiés", a vibrant and perky tribute to the dynamic Madrid neighborhood.

Book Four: The 4th and final book starts with "Málaga", an enthusiastic representation of the city's passion for bullfighting. This is followed by "Jerez", which captures the essence of the famous red wine region, total with intoxicating tunes and balanced driving forces. The suite concludes with "Eritaña", an intense and energetic finale that brings "Iberia" to a close.

Navarra
"Navarra" is a stand-alone piece for piano made up by Albéniz, which includes energetic and perky tunes together with intricate balanced patterns. Inspired by the folk music of the Navarra region in northern Spain, "Navarra" showcases Albéniz's ability to infuse his structures with the essence and spirit of Spanish culture.

Suite Española, Op. 47
"Suite Española" is a collection of 8 piano pieces, each illustrating a specific area of Spain. This suite, which predates "Iberia", shows the different influences of Spanish music on Albéniz's composition style. The pieces include "Granada", "Cataluña", "Sevilla", "Cádiz", "Asturias", "Aragón", "Castilla", and "Cuba". Each piece shows the unique qualities and flavor of its respective area, transferring the listener on a musical journey through Spain.

In conclusion, the album "Iberia/ Navarra/ Suite Española" from 1988 provides an outstanding representation of Isaac Albéniz's contribution to the symphonic music collection along with his deep-rooted love and connection to Spanish culture and custom. This album is not just a testament to Albéniz's outstanding compositional skills however likewise a celebration of Spain's dynamic and diverse musical landscape.

Artist: Isaac Albeniz

Isaac Albeniz Isaac Albeniz, virtuoso pianist & composer of Suite Española and Iberia. Discover his unique melding of traditional Spanish & classical styles.
More about Isaac Albeniz

Other Albums by Isaac Albeniz