(Isaac Albeniz)
Written in the early 1890s, this is possibly the most well-known piece from the post-humous 1911 publication of Isaac Albeniz’ Suite Espanola No. 1 (Opus 47), in not appearing in the original version, although was first published in 1892 in Barcelona as the Preludio for Chants d’Espagne.
It was written in a flamenco style for the piano in G minor, but the version that is most heard today is the transcription for guitar into E minor which was made by Francisco Tarrega, and later again by Andres Segovia.
The main theme from the music has been arranged for 12-string guitar by Roger McGuinn for the song “Eight Miles High”, it is used at the beginning of “Spanish Caravan” by The Doors and Iron Maiden used it during “To Tame a Land”. It has also been featured in the French film Les Patriotes.
English Chamber Orchestra recordings
London 425 201 (CD: Joy: Timeless Classics from the Guitar of Michael Conn)
Conductor – Leslie Williams
Guitar – Michael Conn
Alicia de Larrocha recordings
London 417 795 (CD: Spanish Fireworks)
Piano – Alicia de Larrocha
Christopher Parkening recordings
EMI 47194 (CD: In the Spanish Style)
Guitar – Christopher Parkening
Angel Romero recordings
Telarc CD-80213 (CD: A Touch of Romance)
Guitar – Angel Romero
David Russell recordings
Telarc CD-80576 (CD: Reflections of Spain )
Guitar – David Russell
John Williams recordings
CBS MK 44794 (CD: Spanish Guitar Favourites)
Guitar – John Williams
CBS MDK 45648 (CD: Concierto de Aranjuez ; Fantasma para un gentilhombre / Joaqumn Rodrigo. Granada ; Asturias ; Sevilla ; Majorca ; Cordoba / Isaac Albiniz)
Guitar– John Williams
Sony SK 89141(CD: Romance of the Guitar)
Guitar – John Williams
Narciso Yepes recordings
Deutsche Grammaphon DG B000400-02
Guitar – Narciso Yepes
Deutsche Grammaphon DG 289 476 7152
Guitar – Narciso Yepes
Sources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyenda
- http://stanleyyates.com/articles/albeniz/leyenda.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Asturias-by-Albeniz
- http://www.allmusic.com/composition/suite-espa%C3%B1ola-no-1-for-piano-op-47-b-7-mc0002401251
Here it is being played by John Williams