Not to be confused with either of the two Suite Espangnole sets written about a decade earlier (eight pieces in the first, two in the second), this turn-of-the century effort consists of a pair of works, Prelude and "Asturies," the latter referring to a section of northwest Spain. The Prelude, at about six or seven minutes, is double the length of its sibling, but both are musically substantive and quite atmospheric in capturing the colors and moods of Albéniz's native land.

The Prelude mysteriously opens in the lower register of the piano, the main theme slowly, almost tentatively taking shape. When the music rises into the upper ranges it takes on a more playful, brighter spirit. The rhythmic character and sense of color brim with Spanish flavors here and throughout the piece. The middle section features truly imaginative, at times quite dissonant harmonies. The music builds amid seemingly competing elements and augurs an explosion of sorts, but soon reaches a rather peaceful resolution. The main theme returns and the piece ends slowly and serenely. "Asturies" begins in a pastoral mood, the main theme gentle and hesitant in its somewhat melancholy character. Spanish flavors are less evident but still present, as strains of Liszt and Debussy can be heard. Not that the music is derivative here—again, Albéniz's harmonies are imaginative and his piano writing quite his own. In the outer sections the music is simpler, more pastoral and consoling, while the interior is more complex, darker, and somewhat agitated.

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