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Wednesday 19 September 2012

My Heroes (37): Isaac Albeniz

Isaac Albeniz 1860 - 1909. A little flamboyant don't you think?
Isaac Albeniz was a Spanish pianist and composer who died at the early age of 48 (from a kidney ailment known at the time as Bright's Disease). I was once a student of the classical guitar and came to his music through the many transcriptions of his piano music for the guitar. Transcription is when a piece of music written for one instrument is arranged and notated for another.
My two favourite pieces are Granada from the Suite Española and the Tango in D and here are links to piano and guitar versions of both where one can see how well they work for the guitar.
Granada for piano (there are better versions but this is the best I could find on You Tube). I'm not sure who plays this.
Granada for guitar played by John Williams.
Tango in D for piano. Again, I don't know who the pianist is.
Tango in D for guitar played by John Williams again.
And for a final treat see what this wonderful young musician does with the Tango in D!


14 comments:

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sending me to those sites.

David said...

Hi bazza,
I'd not heard of Albeinz before, so will be checking out the links in your post. Once agin, bazza, you have brought my attention to someone or something of which I was previously ignorant. Thanks for broadening my musical palate!
Very Best Wishes,
David.

klahanie said...

Hey bazza,
I had a right good listen to all of that. I found myself recognising that lovely music.
You have broadened my musical awareness of talent such as Albeniz.
All the best,
Gary

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Usually I lean toward anything "piano', however I enjoyed the guitar more so in both Granada and Tango D.

Sophia's violin was superb! Love the harmony she got out of her instrument. The piano accompaniment was nice, but the violin took my heart.

Albeniz is a winner. Thanks Bazza!

John said...

To be completely honest Bazza, I had never heard of the guy before (more shame me!), but on listening to the music a faint recognition of the sounds came back to me. Thank you for filling another another gap in my knowledge.
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

bazza said...

SO,AC: I am so pleased that you like this music. It's good to share!

bazza said...

David: It just goes to show how out of touch I am - I thought he was very well-known! I will choose a really obscure hero next!

bazza said...

Gary: I think the music itself is more known than the composer. I'm glad you had a 'right good listen'!

bazza said...

Dixie: I agree entirely! His music works wonderfully well for guitar and the whole Suite Espanola and Iberia have been successfully transcribed.

bazza said...

John: See my reply to Gary, above! I trust you enjoyed the listen and next time you hear it you can impress everyone by saying "Oh yes, that's Albeniz you know"
But beware - it's pronounced 'Albaynith'!

Kelly said...

The first couple of links I checked out allowed me to listen to music that is both subtle and moving. I would listen to this if I were in a contemplative mood.

I know know idea who this man was. and I had no idea that you had such a talent. You're full of surprises. thanks for sharing this with us. You've broadened mine and probably most everyone's horizons and knowledge. Take care, Bazza, my friend.

bazza said...

Hi Kezza: The idea of listening to music that matches your mood is very appealing. If I am feeling a bit low (which I am pleased to say is not often) I find sad music actually helps. I think 'contemplative' is a good word for most of Albeniz's music. Your compliment is very kind. Thank you!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

I hope you're enjoying the holidays!

bazza said...

Dixie: I am thank you but it's back to work now!