Grenados vs. Albeniz

[Diabolos]

Hi all.

I recently heard a debate about whether Grenados or Albeniz was the greatest Spanish composer. It didn't lead to a real settled result, so I'm wondering how you feel about these composers. What do you like best - Iberia or Goyescas?

[Dmitri_Shteinberg]

Hello,

I only wonder why whoever raised the question has included only two Spanish composers, when by all means there are at least five of them - add De Falla, Debussy and Ravel... Richter was asked of his choise not to play Spanish music, and his responce was "All I wanted, I have found in the French music..." This doesn't answer your question, however. I wish we could resolve these issues like in a competition, by means of a stopper.
Regards,
Dmitri

[Diabolos]

I don't know why they only included these two composers, since they are the best known of the spanish artists; Debussy and Ravel are actually regarded as French musicians (not to mention that their works are performed more often).
I'm actually not into Albeniz, though his piano music is quite nice; I really love 'Le fandango de candil' from the Goyescas and the Allegro the concert.
Grenados sometimes reminds a little on Brahms when it comes to Harmonics, but the influence of Spanish folklore gives his music, something lyrical that's so often underlined by certain unusual rhythms... and his pieces are technically difficult, too.
What else could one expect?
By the way: is there a piano concerto by Grenados? I don't think so, but asking can't be wrong.

[rachfan]

It is ironic that one of the very best pieces of "Spanish" music for piano was written by.... Debussy: "La Soiree dans Granade" from Estampes.  It's certainly one of the most memorable impressions of Spain.

[tosca1]

Personally I prefer the music of Manuel de Falla to that of Albeniz and Granados. His work is more imaginative than that of his predecessors as he hardly ever borrowed directly from folk songs. He developed his compositional technique from the French School and his thematic material is usually his own invention as in the wonderfully evocative Spanish style writing of Debussy.  Listen to his mystically enchanting work for piano and orchestra "Noches en los Jardines de Espana" which touches the very heart of Spanish music.

[arensky]

                                                 Iberia.