Joaquín Turina

Cantares for Voice and Guitar

The song Cantares sets a poem by philosophical poet Ramon de Campoamor whose words describe a conflicted and unfulfilled love. The transcription from Piano to Guitar enhances the Iberian flavour of the Turina's song. There are virtuosic passages for the Guitar and quite demanding passages for the Soprano or high Voice. Joaquin Turina is often contrasted with Albéniz and Granados, those two proponents of a Spanish national style. Turina strove to write music of a European standard in the conventional major forms and it is possible to hear the influence of Turina's years studying in Paris, as well as his native Spain combined with the composer's own unique Voice.