Asturias-Leyenda, Preludio          
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Isaac Albeniz - Adapted by B. Michael Williams       
Originally scored for piano, this prelude garnered worldwide popularity when Andrés Segovia transcribed and performed the work on guitar in the 1920s. Leyenda has since become known by some as the “quintessential Spanish guitar piece.” The vibraphone, due to its capability to sustain chords, execute independent melodic lines and arpeggios, and effect harmonics, is particularly suitable for realizing a guitar-influenced version of Albeniz’ original prelude for piano. Audience friendly yet challenging for the performer!

Percussive Notes Review:
Asturias-Leyenda, Preludio
Advanced
Isaac Albeniz; Adap. B. Michael Williams
HoneyRock
Originally written for piano in the early 1890s, “Preludio” is the opening piece of a three-movement work. It became very popular as a guitar solo after it was transcribed by Andres Segovia in 1920. In this adaptation for vibraphone, mallet indications and pedal suggestions are included. The work opens in 3/4 with the quarter note marked 138 bpm and involves rapid and steady sixteenth notes and sixteenth-note triplets. If all repeats are taken, the opening material lasts about two minutes before transitioning to a slow rubato section marked lento. The fermatas and ritards give this section a relaxed, melodic character. A new section follows, still in 3/4 but at 112 bpm. Following this section is a repeat of the opening material and then a jump to a coda that is soft, slow, and ritards to a G major chord and final octave E’s. The adaptation is especially well-done and the use of vibraphone harmonics helps suggest the effects of the guitar.

Reviewed by: F. Michael Combs
Review originally published: August 2006