This is one of the most popular individual works (i.e., not part of a larger suite) by the great Spanish piano composer. It is a charming and sad, six- or seven-minute account of a trip to Mallorca, the largest of the Balaeric Islands, located east of Spain and south of France, in the Mediterranean.

Rhythmically, it is a magical blending of the rocking rhythm of the barcarolle (boat song) and the dance rhythms of Spain, plus a wilting sadness in the melodic line that is reminiscent of late Chopin (it's even in one of Chopin's favorite keys), both musically and in terms of the story that comes inevitably to the piano lover's mind.

In Albéniz's time, a visitor necessarily got there by boat. One of the main tourist spots is the monastery, on a high point on the island, that was once the vacation home of Chopin, who had traveled there seeking a respite from his tuberculosis. Unfortunately, having chosen a cold and wet part of the year, and finding the dark interior of the monastery depressing, Chopin only succeeded in worsening his condition.

Thus, a sense of melancholy pervades the background of this music. The melodies manage to retain a Spanish aura, despite their Chopinesque flavor. It was premiered in England, by the composer, in 1891. In common with much of Albéniz's piano music, it has been successfully and popularly transcribed as a guitar solo.



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