Par ALBENIZ ISAAC. A spell-binding exploration of the music of Spain, Fantasía Española features four exciting yet contrasting sections and challenging parts for all players. Three of Spain's most famous composers are represented in this medley arranged by Bob Phillips. The piece begins with an exciting, driving excerpt from 'Asturias (Leyenda)', by Isaac Albéniz, which, though written for piano, is most often heard on guitar. The setting of this section allows the violins and violas a display of virtuosity with its unrelenting rhythmic drive. Beautiful, lyric, and emotional, 'Tango in D,' also by Albéniz, will showcase the musicianship of the entire orchestra. Originally written for piano, the strings will shine in this second section of the arrangement. The third section is the slow and lyric, 'Adelita.' Drawn from the deep treasure of Spanish guitar music and written by the father of classical guitar, Francisco Tárrega, this piece is simply beautiful. The medley concludes with 'Danza Ritual del Fuego' from the ballet El Amor Brujo. Written by Manuel de Falla for full orchestra, the string setting drives to a fabulous and dramatic finish.(5:45) / Date parution : 2022-10-12/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes

Full Score-Vivace (2010) for string orchestra began its musical life as the third movement of my Sonata for Guitar (2009) recorded by Isaac Bustos on MSR Classics [MS 1581]. While writing the sonata I began to realize what a symphonic instrument the guitar really is and how well idiomatic guitar figurations might translate to the orchestra. As the title suggests Vivace is a short lively piece tinged with spiritual uplift. Supported by a steady rhythmic ostinato in stretto the broad melody (in slow harmonic rhythm) is presented first in the highest voice and then answered in a lower one. The dovetailing of gestures and its consequent antiphonal character permeate the movement.Often the melody is presented in harmony at the interval of the 7th or 9th. As with many of my recent compositions variation color and drama are enhanced by the juxtaposition of pandiatonic passages with those that are chromatic and dissonant. --Peter Lieuwen Vivace has been recorded by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra on MSR Classics [MS 1582].