Ernest Ansermet - Albeniz: Iberia/ Turina: Danzas Fantasticas - Speakers Corner LP

As in numerous other works by Spanish composers, Isaac Albéniz's aim in his Iberia Suite was to portray the landscape and express the zest for life which is so abundant in southern countries. Infused with folkmusic elements, the suite is introduced by the dancelike Evocacian which vividly evokes a picture of Iberia. The lush, extravagant harmonies and the stark contrasts of the dynamics in particular - from the softest pianissimo to the extreme fortissimo - certainly whet one's appetite. Don't worry - Spain has a lot to offer! The next movement, El Corpus en Sevilla transports us to Andalusia where a solemn procession is taking place to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. This is followed by a sparkling Triana in which the various complex and brilliant rhythms of the national dances Almeria, Rondena and Fandango are ingeniously combined. The two movements El Puerto and El Albaicin are no less exciting: the first presents a rich potpourri of Spanish songs, while the second - held in the minor key - conjures up a picture of Granada's gypsy quarter.

1. Evocación (Iberia)

2. El Corpus en Sevilla (Iberia)  

3. Triana (Iberia)

4. El Puerto (Iberia)  5. El Albaicín (Iberia)  

6. Exaltación (Fantásticas)

7. Ensueño (Fantásticas)  

8. Orgia (Fantásticas)