Isaac Albéniz

Cordoba

CORDOBAThis piece is an extract from the five part piano work 'Cantos de España' (Songs from Spain) opus 232 which consists of 'Preludio' (Asturias), 'Oriental', 'Bajo la Palmera' (Cuba), 'Cordóba' and 'Seguidillas' (Castilla); some of these parts are also to be found in the 'Suite Española'. 'Cordoba', the last part but one, seems to announce the grandeur and serenity of the composer's last works; it is as if he was preparing to retire from the hectic dynamic world. The introduction has a subdued, almost liturgical character, whereas the next dance sounds rather very solemn. Cordóba is as an island in the restless stream. It is an Andalusian dance with a majestic character similar to that of the city which inspired the work. This very harmonious composition is one of Albéniz's finest.