Andalucia Suite: No. 6 Malaguena [Alf:36-A603099]

Known as “the Cuban Gershwin,” Lecuona influenced the Latin American music world in a manner quite similar to the way Gershwin elevated jazz music, in his case raising the status of Cuban music to the classical world. A great deal of Lecuona's music was first introduced to American audiences by Desi Arnaz, a fellow Cuban and Lucille Ball's spouse. Andaluc­a (Suite Espagnole) was originally composed by Ernesto Lecuona for solo piano. This colorful and vibrant arrangement of the Malagueħa, the sixth and final movement of the suite features driving Latin rhythms that create a concert piece that's truly exciting.