Chants d'Espagne

232, (Spanish: Cantos de España, English: Songs of Spain) is a suite of originally three, later five pieces for the piano by Isaac Albéniz.

Prélude (later known as Asturias (Leyenda)), Orientale and Sous le palmier were published in 1892, and Córdoba and Seguidillas were added in the 1898 edition.

[1] Francisco Tárrega arranged the piece for guitar in its most recognizable key, E minor; it was subsequently made popular by Andrés Segovia.

Clark states that it is written in typical Albéniz form as it is "presented monophonically but doubled at the fifteenth for more fullness of sound.

"[citation needed] Ericourt also emphasizes the importance of moderation in expression: "Any exaggeration, tonal or otherwise, could easily bring vulgarity to this composition.

Clark describes the power the shift creates when he writes, "(it) expresses a sadness that we can fully understand only if we recall the depression that underlay his outward sanguinity.

Clark states that the name of the piece may have been inspired by Albéniz's namesake, St. Isaac of Córdoba, who died defending his faith in this southern Andalusian city.

The sound of a hymn in dorian mode plays in a faux bourdon style, rhythmically ambiguous so as to resemble liturgical singing.

Clark writes, "The suite represents the furthest advance in Albéniz's Spanish style to date in its seriousness, harmonic richness, and formal variety."

[citation needed]It was after the composing this suite that Albéniz redirected his compositional energy toward musical drama, opera and theatre.