Pedro Pérez de Albéniz: Fortepiano Fantasies

Julián Turiel Lobo

I have always felt curious about the time periods between composers such as Antonio Soler or Domenico Scarlatti, belonging to the first half of the 18th century, and others like Enrique Granados, Isaac Albeniz or Manuel de Falla, who were active between the end of the 19th-century and the first half of the 20th-century. During the last decades, research has been done about some of the most important composers of this period. Among all of them, Pedro Pérez de Albéniz (1795-1855) stands out. His importance as a composer and, above all, as a teacher was fundamental in creating a solid and successful piano school in Spain. His pianism is inspired, in order of increasing importance, by Spanish folklore, Italian opera and the pianistic writing and resources used in 19th-century Paris, and is influenced by two capital figures: Friedrich Kalkbrenner (1785-1849) and Henri Herz (1803-1888). Finally, his fantasies are the most ambitious works of his catalog. They are the ones that best exhibit the characteristics of his pianistic language. They are essential to understanding where Pedro Albéniz can be placed within the Spanish piano literature and illustrate how deep Romanticism had come at this time in the context of the Spanish piano.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to use these lines to thank all those who have been important to me during the last three years in The Netherlands.

First of all to my family, for their unconditional encouragement and motivation since the beginning of this adventure. Without them, I would not be what I am today.

Second of all, to Saray, for her patience and endless support in every decision I take.

To my friends, David, Samuel, Elisha, Diego, Clara, and José Manuel, wonderful people who heard me answering “No, he is not related with Isaac Albéniz” for the last two years and are still there.

To my research supervisors, Karst and Bart, for their time, advice and comprehensive knowledge during the process.

To Blake, Abby and Rosa, because without your help and dedication this research would not turn out like this.

Lastly, to my main subject teachers, Petra and David, because your self-demand and enthusiasm are characteristics I would like to have in my professional life.

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