Composer

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Enriqué Granados

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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1916

Average_duration

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4:49

Enriqué Granados was a Spanish composer and pianist who lived from 1867 to 1916. He was known for his contributions to the Spanish nationalistic movement in music, which sought to incorporate traditional Spanish folk music into classical compositions. One of his most famous works is the "Intermezzo" from his opera "Goyescas," which he later arranged for solo piano and for orchestra. The "Intermezzo" was composed in 1911 and premiered in the same year in New York City. It is the fourth movement of the opera "Goyescas," which is based on the paintings of Francisco Goya and the romanticized vision of Spain during the 18th century. The "Intermezzo" is a short, lyrical piece that serves as a musical interlude between two scenes in the opera. The instrumental arrangement of the "Intermezzo" was made by Granados himself and was published in 1914. It is scored for a small orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, and horns. The arrangement retains the lyrical and expressive qualities of the original piano version, but adds a richness and depth to the music through the use of orchestration. The "Intermezzo" is characterized by its flowing melody, which is played by the strings and is accompanied by gentle, undulating figures in the woodwinds and horns. The music is marked by a sense of longing and nostalgia, which reflects the romanticized vision of Spain that inspired the opera. The piece is also notable for its use of Spanish folk music elements, such as the use of the Phrygian mode and the incorporation of flamenco rhythms. Overall, the "Intermezzo" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Granados' skill as a composer and his dedication to incorporating Spanish folk music into classical compositions. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved piece of music in the classical repertoire.

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