Joaquín Turina (Dec. 9, 1882 - Jan. 14, 1949) was a Spanish composer born in Seville, where music was a significant part of his upbringing. He tried his hand at studying medicine, but music was his ultimate calling. He studied in both Seville and Madrid, and from 1905 - 1914 he studied composition with Vincent d'Indy at the Schola Cantorum de Paris. He was attracted to the style of Debussy and Ravel, but his interests changed coursewhen he met fellow countrymen Manuel de Falla and Isaac Albinez, who encouraged him to embrace his Spanish and Andalucian heritage.

One of Turina's most famous works, if not his most famous, is his Danzas fantásticas, which he first wrote for piano, and then also orchestrated. Interestingly enough, the orchestral version was performed first before the piano version, which Turina performed himself.

Turina was inspired by José Más' novel La orgía, and each of the three movements have a line from the novel at the beginning of each movement.

Exaltación: It seemed as though the figures in that incomparable picture were moving inside the calyx of a flower.

This dance movement starts off mysteriously but then moves quickly into a spirited and fiery dance.

Ensueño: The guitar's strings sounded the lament of a soul helpless under the weight of bitterness.

This colorful movement starts with a brief candenza before it goes into a relaxed and unassuming 5/8 dance known as a "Zortziko." It later on moves to 6/8 which turns quite passionate, but returns back to 5/8.

Orgía: The perfume of the flowers merged with the odor of manzanilla, and from the bottom of raised glasses, full of the incomparable wine, like an incense, rose joy.

This farruca (a form of flamenco) is starts of boldly, making a statement right from the off. There are some beautiful sections that are lighter, but those bold statements from the beginning make their way back. It's a wonderful ending to a piece focused on a few Spanish dances and their tremendous variety!

Here are some recordings of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!*

Albert Guinovart
Antonio Soria

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