ASTURIAS
by Isaac Albeniz - transcribed for concert band [6 '15"/ Grade 3+]
Isaac Albeniz was born in 1860 in Catalonia, Spain. At the age of nine, Albeniz stowed away on a ship bound for Central America. He played piano in the ports where the ship docked, and used the money to continue his travels around the world. He led this vagabond existence to the end of his life -- touring as a composer and concert pianist. But in all his travels he never lost the love for his homeland, and much of his creative inspiration drew upon the rich musical traditions of Spain.
"Asturias" was originally written as part of a suite for solo piano. The legendary classical guitarist, Andres Segovia, transcribed it for solo guitar, and rumor has it that when Albeniz heard Segovia perform the work, he said "So THAT was the instrument this piece was meant to be played on!" When you consider that the original version was for solo piano, which was followed by a transcription for classical guitar, it's quite safe to say that this version for concert band will probably be the LOUDEST TRANSCRIPTION OF THIS PIECE IN HISTORY!
Asturias was commissioned by Doctor Keith Dye and Texas Lutheran University, and was premiered in February, 2005.
To order Asturias, click here