Images of Spain: Score
Various / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 2.5 (Easy to Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0005846
$10.00
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Description
Three contrasting and delightful traditional Spanish melodies are seamlessly interwoven for concert or contest programming. Including the revered "Asturias" by Isaac Albéniz, Granados' "Spanish Dance #5" from his Twelve Spanish Dances, and the well-known "España Cañi," a paso doble by Pascual Marquina Narro featuring a wide variety of ensemble textures. Intellectual, musical, and worldly! (3:45)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
256
SKU:
00-PR-0005846
More about this title
About the Arranger: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific arranger and composer whose work for young and intermediate bands has become standard repertoire in American music education. His arrangements are known for their clarity of orchestration, musical integrity, and ability to make sophisticated source material accessible to developing ensembles without sacrificing artistic merit.
Why we love this
Story's decision to interweave three distinct Spanish masterworks creates a concert experience that feels far more sophisticated than the Grade 2.5 difficulty level suggests. The arrangement respects the character of each piece while maintaining forward momentum across the full three minutes and forty-five seconds, making it an unusually rewarding choice for bands seeking substance over showiness.
What to expect
Travels from the contemplative, guitar-like introspection of Albéniz to the passionate romantic sweep of Granados, culminating in the infectious swagger and joy of the paso doble. The arrangement lets each melody breathe in its own musical world while the overall arc feels coherent and purposeful.
Who it's for
Concert and contest bands at the Grade 2 to 3 level who want meaningful programming without excessive technical demands. Directors seeking music with genuine cultural substance that will engage both players and audiences.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melodic voices across your sections so that "Asturias" emerges with noble weight while maintaining transparency in texture. The piano and mallets play a significant supporting role; ensure they're heard without overwhelming the wind lines.
- Approach the paso doble sections with rhythmic precision and energy. The ensemble's confidence here depends on locked articulation and clear ensemble attacks.
- Shape each traditional melody as a complete musical thought rather than stringing moments together. This arrangement rewards conductors who attend to phrasing and dynamics within each section transition.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert centerpiece that bridges the gap between opening selections and more challenging final pieces. The multicultural identity also makes it ideal for programming that explores non-traditional or Spanish-language repertoire throughout the concert.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing contrast between melodic lines and harmonic support within a single arrangement
- Translating stylistic differences (Spanish romantic to fast-paced dance rhythms) through articulation and energy
- Reading and performing traditional melodies with historical awareness and respect for source material
- Ensemble coordination across multiple sections featuring different musical characters in sequence