In honour of my guitar ensemble performance yesterday, here is Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albeniz played first on violin by David Garrett, then on classical guitar played by John Williams and Ana Lidovic (whose concert I missed when she was in Edmonton in March 2015).

Asturias is a song known well to classical guitarists. Each player has his or her own “feel” and sound, as you can see from the two different players below.

My father learned to play the song by ear from a cassette tape in the 1980s! It took him about two years. I didn’t have much patience in those days and only learned the very beginning.

Having played both violin and guitar, I have the utmost appreciation for how these players perform this complicated piece.

ASTURIAS (LEYENDA) — Isaac Albeniz
Performed by David Garrett (Violin)

ASTURIAS — Performed by John Williams (Guitar)

ASTURIAS — Performed by Ana Lidovic (Guitar)