Asturias (Leyenda)

Asturias (Leyenda) is a work of classical music written by the Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz. Originally written for piano in G minor, it was first published in Barcelona, by Juan Bta. Pujol & Co., in 1892 as the prelude of a three-movement set entitled Chants d'Espagne, op. 232. The name Asturias was given to it by the German publisher Hofmeister, who included it in the 1911 "complete version" of the Suite Espagnole, although not originally conceived as such. This music however is not influenced by the folk music of the northern Spanish region of Asturias. Instead it is strongly influenced by Andalusian traditions.^{[citation needed]} It is noted for the delicate, intricate melody of its middle section and abrupt dynamic changes.

Many have attributed the first transcription for guitar to Francisco Tárrega who put it in its most recognizable key, E minor, and subsequently made popular by Andrés Segovia.

Usage

• The beginning of Spanish Caravan by The Doors, from the album Waiting for the Sun, contains the main theme.
• The main theme is quoted by Iron Maiden in their song "To Tame a Land" (around 4:09 into the track) (from the album Piece of Mind).
• The French film Les Patriotes (1994) includes Albéniz' "Asturias".
• Roger McGuinn composed an arrangement of the song "Eight Miles High" on his 12-string guitar based on the main theme.
• The car brand Lexus used this piece in one of their commercials (2006).
• It was performed during Nicolas Sarkozy's inauguration as President of France on May 16th, 2007, because his wife at the time, born Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz, is the great-granddaughter of the composer, Isaac Albéniz.
• Vanessa-Mae covers this piece on violin, with classical guitar and backing percussion and rock rhythm.
• "Asturias" is used in one of the commercial for a Danish bank, Den Danske Bank, covered by a harp and beatbox
• The main theme is used extensively in the soundtrack of the 2008 film Mirrors.
• The fiddle group, Barrage, does a version of this song on the violin.
• The main theme is used in the beginning (and end) of the hit dance track from 1993 "Right in the Night (Fall In Love With Music)" by influential trance duo Jam & Spoon.

External links

• http://stanleyyates.com/articles/albeniz/leyenda.html
• Performance by John Williams on guitar.
• Performance by Rostislav Sharaevsky on marimba.