How wonderful to be transported to Spain today with your recording of two piano works by the incomparable Pantaleón Enrique Joaquín Granados Campiña. I love your use, Cole, of the phrase ‘heated restless romanticism’ when introducing the music of Granados (his paternal surname). Enrique has been described as a dreamer and a poet because all his work was infused with the lyricism, colourful harmony and pianistic texture characteristic of romanticism, perhaps influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, whom he very much admired. Your performance of both "Oriental" and "Andalusian" from his ‘Danzas Españolas’ was exquisite (as always). The scores may not look as intimidating as some of the virtuosic piano music you play on your channel, but this music only really sings when the player brings a heightened sensitivity to the performance and this is something you always do - and that is why I am always so captivated and rewarded when I can watch and listen to you play. But how terribly cruel fate can be, as was the case with Granados, who died at the age of forty-eight in 1916 just as he had reached the point of success in the musical world. In a letter to his friend, the Spanish composer, Amadeo Vives, Granados wrote: “At last I have seen the realization of my dream. It’s true that my hair is turning white, [yet] that one could say that I am beginning my work, that I am filled with confidence and enthusiasm to work more and more. . .” He wrote that letter while on tour in New York and he had been honoured with an invitation to play at The White House for President Woodrow Wilson, causing him to change his return travelling arrangements. Unfortunately, the ship he sailed in was torpedoed by a German submarine in the English Channel. Granados survived the attack, but he saw his wife struggling in the water and they both perished as he tried to save her. Who knows what he would have written if he had lived another thirty of forty years? At least the music we are left with ensures he will never be forgotten. (And I suppose, like me. you will have listened to the Aeolian Duo‐Art piano‐roll performance of his Danza Española no. 5. It is stunning.)
Thank you Graham! Yes, those rolls of Granados are really fascinating documents, particularly given the rhythmic and textual freedom with which he treats the text, seemingly improvising in many spots. He was obviously a great interpreter, and if he had lived longer, we might have had acoustic and electrical recordings, which might have given a more naturalistic idea of his style. If only!
I, too, have long loved the Spanish Dances, especially no. 2, but the first thing that strikes me about it is how its opening mirrors or at least echoes that of Schubert's "Gretchen am Spinnrade" of all very un-Eastern things (!).
Fascinating analysis and performance! I always loved the "Andaluza", but the "Oriental" is another gem, more intimate and sorrowful. Not only you introduce and perform beautiful music, but you also go deeper and wider, giving us the cultural and historical background associated with the particular piece as well improving my music theory knowledge - I always feel smarter after watching your videos (not kidding!) I found the sheet music for both dances, and I'm going to learn it. Thank you for the inspiration, Cole!
I'd love to hear you play, Nella! And don't we both just love how Cole is enriching our appreciation of wonderful piano music? He is truly amazing! My only regret is that the tempo marking for 'Friday to Friday Uploads' from him seems to be 'Larghissimo' . . . whereas I want it to be 'Prestissimo'! And then I never want his recordings to stop . . . A few years ago, I holidayed in Granada, Cordoba and Seville. The music of Manuel de Falla, Albéniz, Granados and Rodrigo was alive in my head the whole time I was there. Spain is just awe-inspiring . . . and Cole brought back very many happy memories for me.
How wonderful to be transported to Spain today with your recording of two piano works by the incomparable Pantaleón Enrique Joaquín Granados Campiña. I love your use, Cole, of the phrase ‘heated restless romanticism’ when introducing the music of Granados (his paternal surname). Enrique has been described as a dreamer and a poet because all his work was infused with the lyricism, colourful harmony and pianistic texture characteristic of romanticism, perhaps influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, whom he very much admired.
Your performance of both "Oriental" and "Andalusian" from his ‘Danzas Españolas’ was exquisite (as always). The scores may not look as intimidating as some of the virtuosic piano music you play on your channel, but this music only really sings when the player brings a heightened sensitivity to the performance and this is something you always do - and that is why I am always so captivated and rewarded when I can watch and listen to you play.
But how terribly cruel fate can be, as was the case with Granados, who died at the age of forty-eight in 1916 just as he had reached the point of success in the musical world. In a letter to his friend, the Spanish composer, Amadeo Vives, Granados wrote: “At last I have seen the realization of my dream. It’s true that my hair is turning white, [yet] that one could say that I am beginning my work, that I am filled with confidence and enthusiasm to work more and more. . .” He wrote that letter while on tour in New York and he had been honoured with an invitation to play at The White House for President Woodrow Wilson, causing him to change his return travelling arrangements. Unfortunately, the ship he sailed in was torpedoed by a German submarine in the English Channel. Granados survived the attack, but he saw his wife struggling in the water and they both perished as he tried to save her. Who knows what he would have written if he had lived another thirty of forty years? At least the music we are left with ensures he will never be forgotten. (And I suppose, like me. you will have listened to the Aeolian Duo‐Art piano‐roll performance of his Danza Española no. 5. It is stunning.)
Thank you Graham! Yes, those rolls of Granados are really fascinating documents, particularly given the rhythmic and textual freedom with which he treats the text, seemingly improvising in many spots. He was obviously a great interpreter, and if he had lived longer, we might have had acoustic and electrical recordings, which might have given a more naturalistic idea of his style. If only!
Thank you, Graham, for always adding interesting info to Cole's videos!
I, too, have long loved the Spanish Dances, especially no. 2, but the first thing that strikes me about it is how its opening mirrors or at least echoes that of Schubert's "Gretchen am Spinnrade" of all very un-Eastern things (!).
I never thought of that before-Thank you!
A gorgeous performance of two of my favorite pieces!
Fascinating analysis and performance! I always loved the "Andaluza", but the "Oriental" is another gem, more intimate and sorrowful. Not only you introduce and perform beautiful music, but you also go deeper and wider, giving us the cultural and historical background associated with the particular piece as well improving my music theory knowledge - I always feel smarter after watching your videos (not kidding!) I found the sheet music for both dances, and I'm going to learn it. Thank you for the inspiration, Cole!
That's wonderful! I'm so glad you are going to learn the pieces. You will enjoy them I'm sure!
I'd love to hear you play, Nella! And don't we both just love how Cole is enriching our appreciation of wonderful piano music? He is truly amazing! My only regret is that the tempo marking for 'Friday to Friday Uploads' from him seems to be 'Larghissimo' . . . whereas I want it to be 'Prestissimo'! And then I never want his recordings to stop . . .
A few years ago, I holidayed in Granada, Cordoba and Seville. The music of Manuel de Falla, Albéniz, Granados and Rodrigo was alive in my head the whole time I was there. Spain is just awe-inspiring . . . and Cole brought back very many happy memories for me.
amazing