Isaac Albéniz was a brilliant Spanish composer from the latter part of the 19th century. Many of his piano compositions have found great popularity as guitar transcriptions, in some cases even surpassing the original piano versions in fame and becoming staples of the classical guitar repertoire.

Among his most famous works are Asturias, Granada, and Mallorca. “Sevilla”, taken from the Suite Española, Op. 47 (1886), is one of the original four pieces from the suite. Several additional pieces were added in 1912 — including Aragón, Asturias, Cádiz, and Castilla.

Expertly transcribed for classical guitar, Sevilla allows guitarists to explore Albéniz’s rich melodies and rhythmic vitality.

• Key & Tuning: Written in G major, with 6th and 5th strings tuned down to D and G.

• Tempo: Allegretto (100–120 BPM), lively and dance-like.

• Character: A mix of lyrical passages and rapid, intricate fingerwork.

• Modulations: Includes sections in Eb major, D major, and C minor, with tempo changes for contrast.

The transcription preserves the original’s dynamic contrasts and vibrant rhythms, making it a guitarist’s favorite for both technical challenge and expressive range.

Performing Sevilla requires both refined technique and stylistic understanding. Key demands include:

• Rapid scale passages and arpeggios

• Spanish-style strumming (rasgueados)

• Attention to phrasing, dynamics, and rhythmic drive

• Expressive contrasts between lyrical and fiery sections

🎵 Pro tip: To create tonal variety, the middle section can be played predominantly sul tasto (over the fingerboard) using rest strokes, giving a warm, singing quality before returning to brilliance.

Almost every core guitar technique appears in this piece, including:

• Rasgueados

• Slides

• Harmonics

• Trills

• Rest strokes & free strokes

This makes Sevilla a technical showcase as well as a musical journey.

Tuning (G6)

• 6 – D

• 5 – G

• 4 – D

• 3 – G

• 2 – B

• 1 – E

Musical Style of Albéniz

Isaac Albéniz’s style is a rich blend of Spanish folk traditions with classical sophistication. His works feature:

• Vibrant rhythms and dance influences

• Evocative, lyrical melodies

• Intricate harmonies inspired by Spanish landscapes and song

His ability to channel the essence of Spanish dance and song into piano — and later into guitar transcriptions — has made his music timeless. Albéniz’s works demand virtuosity but reward the player with expressive depth, inspiring generations of guitarists.

Notable Works by Isaac Albéniz

• Asturias (available as a course here on NBN Guitar)

• Cádiz (Suite Española, Op. 47)

• Granada (available as a course here on NBN Guitar)

• Tango in D (España, Op. 165)

• Torre Bermeja