From Spanish Hearts

Piano Trio in C Major, Op.50

by Enrique Granados (1867-1916)

• Poco allegro con espressione
• Scherzetto
• Duetto – Andante con molto espressione
• Finale – Allegro molto

Though Enrique Granados was an extraordinary pianist and painter, he is best remembered as one of the leading Spanish nationalist composers of the late nineteenth century. He studied music initially in his native Barcelona and later in Paris. His style is solidly neo-Romantic, infused with Spanish inflections. His Piano Trio in C major was written in 1894 and was premiered in Madrid with Granados himself at the piano. That is the only known performance of the piece until its republication in 1976. The first movement is evocative and expressive, the second is light and impish with dazzling brilliance. The third movement is a heartfelt and poignant duet between violin and cello. The work concludes on a grand scale with full textures and rich harmonies.

Spanish Dances, Op.12: No.1, 2, 5

by Moritz Moszkowski (1854-1925)

Moritz Moszkowski was a Polish-Jewish composer and, though not of Spanish heritage, he wrote his Spanish Dances to evoke generally a colourful Spanish flavour rather than as faithful depictions of specific dances. They were written in 1876 originally for piano duet and immediately became wildly successful; numerous requests for different arrangements resulted. These dances in all their various versions have remained deservedly popular ever since.

Piano Trio No.2 in B minor, Op.76

by Joaquín Turina (1882-1949)

• Lento – Allegro molto moderato
• Molto vivace
• Lento – Andante mosso – Allegretto

Joaquín Turina road the wave of enthusiasm for musical Nationalism -- much of his music is peppered with Spanish elements. He first studied in Seville and Madrid, and in 1905 made his way to Paris where he encountered French masters such as Debussy and Ravel, who profoundly influenced his writing. He wrote an abundance of chamber music at this time. The Piano Trio No. 2 in B minor is the last of his piano trios, a mature work, concise, lively and sparkling with Spanish inflection. It’s written in three movements: the first, warm, soulful and somewhat exotic, the second, a spicy Spanish dance in 5/8 with a contrasting languid trio section, and the third, majestic and suggestive of open skies and a grand landscape.

The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires for Piano Trio

by Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
arr. by José Bragato (1915-2017)

• Verano Porteño
• Otoño Porteño
• Invierno Porteño
• Primavera Porteña

While Astor Piazzolla was still a young lad, his father found a bandoneon (a type of Spanish accordion) in a pawn shop and gave it to him. He immediately fell in love with the instrument and learned to play, becoming a virtuoso by the time he reached his teens. He performed in numerous tango groups throughout his life. As a composer, Piazzolla studied classical music and composition with various prominent musicians, yet he always returned to his tango roots. He coined the term “Nuevo Tango” (new tango) which incorporated elements of jazz and classical music into the tango. This fusion music eventually came into its own and brought him fame. At first, it didn’t please all people: once, a tango purist held him at gunpoint! The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires was written in 1969 and renders impressions of his home city in all its seasons. Written originally for his own tango quintet, it has been arranged for many different combinations, including piano trio. The music is passionate and on fire!