Albeniz Granada Dedicated to "Papa D" and his Wonderful Family

About the Composition

This is my first recording of a work by the lesser-known composer Isaac Albeniz (pictured on the right). Albeniz was a Spanish composer of the 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known mostly for his piano compositions. This particular recording is the first piece from the Spanish Suite (Suite Espanola) - each work in the suite is named after a city/town of Spain. I love this composition as it has such depth and dynamics despite the seemingly simple structure. The "harp-like" or perhaps "guitar-like" movements of the right-hand add such a nice accompaniment to the melody and harmonies of the left hand.

Dedication

I am lovingly dedicating this recording to one of the most kind-hearted, sincere, and inspirational people I have ever met - "Papa D" - as well as his wonderful wife and his daughter's family - the Krebs. There are very few people on this earth who are so sincerely caring that they unconditionally open their hearts and homes to those around them. Chuck Dominici ("Papa D") is one of those and his kindness and sincerity is quite contagious! We have the pleasure of living in the same neighborhood as his family and have had the opportunity to get to know them a little better over the last year or so and have enjoyed Chuck's fine cuisine. My wife and I are always so impressed by their ability to laugh, share hope, and brighten perspectives for everybody around them. When I think of inspirational heroes in my life, the Dominicis and Krebs are among the first I think of - the kind of people I hope to be more like.

So to the Dominici's and the Krebs I dedicate this recording of Albeniz's Granada. And even as I write this dedicatory note I am reminiscing on the flavors of Papa D's wonderful cooking and the endearing friendships that we have formed. To Good Food... Good Friends... and Good Music!

The Recording

You may download this recording by visiting this page of my website or by subscribing to my iTunes podcast. As always, this music is free to the public. You may also listen online using the embedded media player found below. I hope you enjoy my recording of Isaac Albeniz's Granada Op. 47, No. 1!