Almeida | Leyenda by Isaac Albeniz (solo) | PDF Download

Pros: Almeida’s transcription is a scan of a handwritten score. Printing pages may result in a faded document due to image reproduction. A traditional arrangement that contains expected figuration of triplets and ornamentation. Left-hand measures are numbered for reference and fingering and string numbers are provided as they appear in the score but not continuously throughout.

Cons: There are a few errors in fingering but this can be easily detected and corrections made. The layout of the score is based upon a pattern of three or four measures per system which does result in some systems packed with information. The Piu Lento (slow) section does contain the arrangement of chords or melodic figures that differ from well-known transcriptions. This is especially apparent in the ending.

Transcriptions of Leyenda are distinct based upon two features the fingering and the voicing of the German Augmented Sixth (Gr6) chord (the chromatic chord or chord with an accidental in this case it is the chord spelled as C-E-G-A#). The fingerings indicated do have a few awkward moments but the Gr6 and the triplet prolongation through the measure does resolve correctly. Although the Gr6 chord with the Bb (enharmonically written for the A#) in the bass does match the voicing of the original piano piece, this is complemented with a C in an upper voice to resolve to the dominant in E minor – the note B until the chord is re-voiced in measure 42.

Not a bad transcription. A handwritten score was a welcomed sight.