A Spanish Journey</em>, Behind the Music

Traditional Spanish music is well known for its vibrant and unique sound, but is less frequently heard in the classical realm. Originally inspired by Greek Orthodox music in the sixth century, classical Spanish music evolved to reach huge popularity by the late nineteenth century. Celebrated composers including Pablo de Sarasate and Enrique Granados honored the typical harmonies and rhythmic integrity of traditional Spanish music, incorporating them into their compositions. This “Behind the Music” session offers an opportunity to take a closer look into the history of Spanish folk music, and how it has impacted the writing of revered Spanish composers. We’ll take a deep dive into exactly why Spanish music is so vibrant and easily identifiable, and we will also explore the types of folk dances that are so essential to the rhythms of Spanish music.