Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albeniz played by Virginia Luque

This piece is mostly known as Leyenda.Leyenda is the inspirational form which has taken over the real title. Asturias is the title that was given to the piece although the style of the music sounds more andalusian or more specifically inspired in a flamenco style. An original piece for piano written by the extraordinary piano virtuoso and legendary composer Isaac Albeniz. The piece after Albeniz death was added to the Suite espanola Op. 47. in order to mantain the theme of the pieces in a suite where some of the regions of Spain were the subject.
The pieces that actually belonged to the Suite chosen by the composer were Granada, Cataluna, Sevilla and Cadiz. This is my own arrangement.
It's played in a live performance with a Hermann Hauser I, 1933. To me, a very special instrument that I love.
I hope you enjoy it.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• virginia
• luque
• asturias
• albeniz
• classical
• guitar

[johnquantran]

Wow, you amaze me. I had listen to many famous guitarist but somehow you stand out the most. The tonal strucks me the most. I had stop playing this piece for a long time but now I'll re-practice this piece again. How far different from your version with Segovia? --John Tran

[VirginiaLuque]

it's very different. First section is changed in order to sustain bass notes that carry the melody. Although I can not change the chords from arpegios to regular chords because we have the disadvantage of not having a pedal like the piano. It doesn't sound that good. Second section also very different, closer to the original, almost identical. It's always a compromise but it's the closest I've got to the piano score.

Virginia Luque

[Zstriker]

wow thats a hauser? must of cost over thousands

[VirginiaLuque]

It's a Hauser 1933 spruce/brazilian rosewood. A Segovia model with a zero fret.

I think it's sound is truly a jewel.

I'm very lucky to own it.

Virginia Luque

[Zstriker]

Zero fret? whats that? is it a fret that sounds like the open strings?

[VirginiaLuque]

It is an additional fret that Hauser 1 used to add in some of his guitars, believing that mantains the same quality of tone even when you play the strings opened.

A very clever system that proves his refined knowledge in about sound.

Virginia Luque

[VirginiaLuque]

Don't rush  the process of learning it. Work in the arpegios section as an exercise till you gain confidence, thinking always to emphasize the basses which carry the melody. Check the original score always for improvement.

Good luck.

I'll be posting a couple of pieces from my last dvd pretty soon.

Virginia Luque

[bavlara]

I can hear the bass very well. Not quite sure what you are saying. I let my ears not my eyes be my guide and my ears tell me this is a flawless performance. Bravo Virginia!!!

[Ignaciomrozas]

Duette*

[Ignaciomrozas]

Great playing...but that is just about the most beautiful guitar and wonderful sound I have heard. I want one!!!....Now!!! Can you and I duettte sometime?

Warmest Regards

[skylilly1]

My eyes are popping out of my head! You play so well and your guitar is spectacular!

[arfurlife]

A thousand bravos. Just when I thought I was sick to death of hearing this piece I came across your version and was stunned. So much feeling, intensity and atmosphere. What a superb player you are. You really bring the best out of the music and that Hauser guitar( how I would love one of those). I am into making music and arty videos at the moment, done a few of myself playing, including that piece....how I wish I had an artist like you to film and record. I would be in Heaven. Bravo again.

[Liantotjahjoputro]

Fantastic Asturias......

[alfresga]

@VirginiaLuque Hola si eres española supongo que hablas español, porque no tienes una pagina web o algo asi donde uno pueda preguntarte cosas y puedas dar tips para la guitarra, estoy impresionado con tu tecnica y no se si me podrías dar algunos consejos en español :P

[mk0879vg]

It's nice I like a lot of parts, except the recording quality. I like the notes right at 3:00 and 3:03 a little more articulated, slowed down and defined. Good job. I can't crituque the tone so much because of the recording quality. One thing, don't flip hair back with your hand, distracting. But good job and keep going!

[tijsgroen]

Wauw! Very good.. Many do not have this 'thing' about them. Whatever they play, it may be technically brilliant, but it doesn't do it..

Anyway, to keep a long story short >>>

You have got it!! Awesome!

[Deliata]

Hi Virginia

very good work well done  who is the guitar maker Manuel Contreras ?

[nalgas102]

hola guapa tocas muy bien se ve que lo disfrutas yo estoy sacando asturias ya llevo dos semans y me esta costando trabajo algun consejo que me pueda ayudar saludos no dejes de tokar!!!!!