
Inspirations
Donald Macleod introduces an opera based on Arthurian legend, a piano piece inspired by the countryside around Granada, an orchestral work evoking Spanish fiesta.
By 1897, Albeniz was living in Paris, where he not only continued his dual roles of pianist and composer but he had also begun teaching. He and his patron Francis Money-Coutts now launched into another major collaboration in which they intended to produce a trilogy of operas based on the story of King Arthur and in doing so create an English national opera. Donald Macleod introduces an extract from the first and only one of the three operas actually completed, a piano work inspired by the countryside around Granada, and a performance of Albeniz's only purely orchestral work, evoking the songs and dances of a typical Spanish fiesta.
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Music Played
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Isaac Albéniz
The Caterpillar
Performer: Antonio Comas (tenor), Mac McClure (piano)
- Columna Musica 1CM0025.
- 28.
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Isaac Albéniz
Yvonne en visite!
Performer: Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
- Hyperion CDA 67476/7.
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Isaac Albéniz
Merlin (extract)
Performer: Merlin (Carlos Álvarez), King Arthur (Plácido Domingo), Kay (José López Ferrero), Sir Pellinore (Javier Franco), Sir Ector
- Decca 467 096-2.
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Isaac Albéniz
La Vega
Performer: Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
- Hyperion CDA67476/7.
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Isaac Albéniz
Catalonia
Performer: Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra, Enrique Bátiz (Conductor)
- ASV CD DCA 735.
Broadcasts
- Thu 23 Sep 2010 12:00ѿý Radio 3
- Thu 23 Sep 2010 22:00ѿý Radio 3
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