<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC"TEXT="#330000" LINK="#0099CC" VLINK="#aa3300" ALINK="#FF9900"> <BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC"TEXT="#330000" LINK="#0099CC" VLINK="#aa3300" ALINK="#FF9900"> <font size=+1> <center><b><font size=+2>Program notes by Elisenda F&aacute;bregas </b></center></font size=+2> <BR> <BR> <font size=+1> <b>Colores Andaluces </b>was written for cellist FranÁoise Groben, at her request. I had the chance to experience the artistry and charisma of FranÁoise at several extraordinary performances of Voces de mi tierra, a work written for the Meininger-Trio, where FranÁoise enjoyed an extended cadenza. At one of these performances she mentioned that she liked the way I treat Spanish music in Voces de mi tierra and asked me if I would be interested in writing a work consisting of short pieces in the Spanish style. <BR> <BR> Colores Andaluces is the product of intense and focused inspiration, a very spontaneous work written in a few days. I remember sending FranÁoise piece after piece by email and her encouraging comments only reassured me and facilitated its rapid completion. <BR> <BR> I. <i>Tres morillas</i> is inspired by a poem by Federico GarcÌa Lorca. A beautiful singing line in different registers with piano accompaniment.<BR> <BR> II. <i>Duende </i>is a soul searching type of piece - sometimes a little dark and restless but always generous in its conception. It is my homage to FranÁoise and her "duende"... A term coming from Southern Spain, only certain singers and players have "duende" : inspiration, magic, fire, spirit...<BR> <BR> III.<i> Nana </i>is a lullaby, a transcription of a piano work of the same title from my <u>Album for the Young</u>.<BR> <BR> IV. <i>El Jinete </i>is a playful but driven piece that describes the trails of a horseman in the Spanish countryside. <BR> <BR> V. <i>Zapateado </i>is a "flamenco" type piece, full of zapateado (feet work) and guitar strumming that accompanies short vocal lines. The rhythm and metter are constantly changing - full of unexpected rythms and turns - and make it a very exciting ending piece. <BR>