Malagueña: Score
Words and music by Ernesto Lecuona and Marian Banks / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 3 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0006761
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Description
Malagueña is one of the most recognizable Latin melodies written in the last century. It was originally written by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. Building in intensity and tempo through four distinct motifs to an enthusiastic conclusion, this sultry arrangement explores lower tonality. Passionate! (3:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Malagueña: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
220
SKU:
00-PR-0006761
More about this title
About the Composer: Ernesto Lecuona
Ernesto Lecuona (1895–1963) was a Cuban pianist, composer, and conductor whose music became synonymous with the sound of Latin America in the early-to-mid twentieth century. His prolific output spanned concert works, film scores, and popular songs that blended Cuban folk traditions with European romantic sensibilities, earning him international recognition and performances by major orchestras.
Lecuona's compositions remain staples of music education because they balance accessibility with authentic cultural flavor. Teachers and conductors turn to his work to introduce students to Latin rhythms, passionate melody writing, and the compositional techniques that made Cuban music influential in world culture.
Why we love this
Michael Story's arrangement captures the architectural brilliance of Lecuona's original by layering four distinct motifs that build relentlessly toward a finale that students genuinely want to perform. At Grade 3, the scoring is generous enough to feature multiple sections without sacrificing the sultry character that makes this piece memorable; your band will sound sophisticated without drowning in technical demand.
What to expect
Sensual and building. The lower voices sink into warm, exotic harmonies while the melody winds through four distinct personalities, each pulling the music forward with greater urgency. By the enthusiastic conclusion, the whole band has swept audiences up in the passion and momentum that made this melody iconic.
Who it's for
Conductors looking for a crowd-pleasing Latin standard that sits comfortably on a Grade 3 band. This arrangement works equally well as a feature for a general concert or as part of a Latin-themed program where you need a piece with real energy and recognizable appeal.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a strong Latin feel from the first downbeat by locking the percussion section into the rhythmic foundation; this arrangement depends on consistent groove rather than rigid tempo.
- Shape each of the four motifs as distinct musical events with clear transitions between them, treating the build in intensity as a dramatic arc rather than a simple acceleration.
- Balance the lower woodwinds and brass carefully during the exploration of lower tonality; these voices carry the sultry character, so resist the urge to let upper voices dominate.
How to use it
Program this as a spring concert closer or a high-energy selection for a pops program where it can sit between more traditional concert fare. The three-minute duration and obvious cultural identity also make it an excellent vehicle for exploring non-European musical traditions without requiring deep pedagogical detours.
Skills your students will build
- Latin rhythmic phrasing and groove consistency
- Balancing sustained lower voices with prominent melodic lines
- Building intensity and tempo through deliberate motif development
- Ensemble articulation in faster passages
- Understanding phrase architecture across a longer form