Iberia: Twelve musical impressions of Spain

 

Over a hundred years ago, the seriously ill Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) worked frantically on the most beautiful of his works, the piano cycle Iberia. This work, which continually alternates between stunning virtuosity and enchanting lyricism, is steeped in the atmosphere of Andalusia and flamenco. It gives a romantic impression of the country, which the composer nostalgically longed for but which had not given him the recognition he deserved. Albéniz died in 1909, shortly after completing his masterpiece.

Curious about this and inspired by the beautiful music, the concert pianist Yoram Ish-Hurwitz travelled to Spain looking for the sources of inspiration and background of this music. The filmmaker Jenneke Boeijink followed him on his search and recorded it on film. We see the Spanish landscapes and culture, Yoram in conversation about Albéniz with professor Jacinto Torres, meeting the Spaniards on the street, visiting a peña flamenca, a group of flamenco enthusiasts. But does he find what he is looking for? At the concert, Ish-Hurwitz performs the complete cycle, and the film is interwoven with the music. The audience gets to look over the pianist’s shoulder and in so doing comes to know more about the works he performs. The production is directed by Carel Alphenaar.

Nora Baart Fonds | P.W. Janssen's Friesche Stichting