Ernesto Lecuona Casado

Andalucia Suite: No. 6 Malaguena

Known as "the Cuban Gershwin," Lecuona influenced the Latin American music world in a manner quite similar to the way Gershwin elevated jazz music, in his case raising the status of Cuban music to the classical world. A great deal of Lecuona's music was first introduced to American audiences by Desi Arnaz, a fellow Cuban and Lucille Ball's spouse. Andalucía (Suite Espagnole) was originally composed by Ernesto Lecuona for solo piano. This colorful and vibrant arrangement of the Malagueña, the sixth and final movement of the suite features driving Latin rhythms that create a concert piece that's truly exciting.