The full title of this colorful two-piece set is Deux morceaux caractéristiques: Spanish National Songs, and this rather lengthy appellation is quite descriptive of the music here. Like much of Albéniz's keyboard works, in fact, they exude Spanish folk characteristics, both in their melodic and rhythmic features. The first piece is entitled "Jota aragonesa" and the second, Tango.

Neither is among the more popular piano pieces in Albéniz's output, but both are eminently worthwhile creations. "Jota aragonesa" features a lovely, sentimental melody whose sense of romantic passion is balanced by a captivating quasi-schmaltziness that gives the piece an irresistible charm. The work has been arranged for violin and piano, and its lyricism translates quite effectively to the greater singing qualities of the violin. The Tango, marked Allegretto, is lively but unhurried in its outer sections, the music exotic and sensual in its suave, seductive theme and elastic rhythms. The middle section exudes a charming nonchalance in its calmer demeanor and playful siesta-like mood, offering deft contrast to the more muscular outer panels. If "Jota aragonesa" successfully adapts to the violin, Tango would sound quite natural in a guitar arrangement, losing little of its Spanish flavors and retaining its bright, almost mischievous sense in the middle section.

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