«PORTRAITS OF SPAIN»

This is a minor fantasy work that contains part of the musical roots inherent to this country. The work can be divided structurally into four sections that appear uninterruptedly, aiming to create different ambiences of Spanish folklore. We can hear the typical movement known as "seguidillas" with its syllable counted lines, starting the piece with a fiercely contagious rhythm. This is followed by an "Andalusian romance", in a more restful section featuring an exotic melody. This romance contains an A-B-A' structure, with the B section contrasting (Allegro energico) and A' a repeat of the first part featuring a codetta that transitions into the posterior fandango.

The "fandango", undoubtedly, is one of the most characteristic airs / tempos found in Spanish music. Written in 3/8 time using an "Allegretto Scherzando" as a metronomic indication, it includes, it goes without saying, the colourful nature of one of our standout instruments, namely the castanets. To conclude, the "copla" vocal section from the Mediterranean region cannot be overlooked. After a series of striking chords from the brass section that remind us of bugle calls, comes the tabal percussion section. The trumpet is given the role of unveiling the piece that will appear "in crescendo" through different instrumentations before reaching the climax. Finally, there is a return to the 'seguidillas' tempo and a brief final coda. This piece is wholly constructed within the tonal language adapted to the wind instruments and using the Phrygia scale as the main generating element among other highly traditional harmonic backdrops from Spanish folklore.

This work by Teo Aparicio is one of the pieces from the Spanish repertoire for bands most frequently performed worldwide. It was premiered and recorded for the Rundfunk Blasorchester in Leipzig in 2004. In 2010, it was included in the disc "Portraits of Spain" (Best Selections for Concert Bands) issued by the prestigious music publisher Beriato (currently Hal Leonard).