Cuba (Capricho)
Last piece of the original suite, it bears the title of the Caribbean island that at that time was still part of Spain. Albéniz has visited Cuba on a trip as a pianist and it is clear that it left a pleasant memory in him. In ternary form, the first section has a constant rhythm, and although many maintain that it is in the form of habanera, the truth is that it lacks the rhythm of habanera, which is basically what gives structure to said style.
This first section is of a gentle character, not as energetic as the other pieces in the suite. It gives the impression of being a somewhat more contemplative piece than the rest. Its harmony is kind without abrupt modulations, with a balanced phrasing. The B section does present a style perhaps somewhat more similar to the cante jondo or the couplet, where the Phrygian mode is strongly affirmed, and where the melodic line is more fluid and lyrical, almost reminiscent of the bel canto lines of the opera.
