Written when he was in Seville in 1856, this brilliant composition, which evokes Spanish and Mexican atmospheres, is characterized by a very lively rhythm and an execution that requires a playful and brisk approach. The first part, characterized by a lively and ringing atmosphere, is in Eb Major and preludes to a central part in Gb Major. This is reached through the beautiful passage of the last six bars of the first part, which introduces the central theme—airy, elegant (at times even almost mocking!) but traversed by melancholy accents that border on sadness. But, finally, as often occurs with this Author, melancholy is but a moment in life, which resolves into a return to life and joy, expressed—in the final part—by the new exposition of the initial theme.
In my fantasy, this composition, besides recalling the sounds of the places traveled through, also recalls the experience of a wanderer had by Gottschalk, a great pianist idolized by the crowds.
There are several interpretations of the piece but, for my very personal and gratuitous feeling as a lover and not an expert of music, the best appears to be that of Cecile Licad, of which there is a live version (Minneapolis, USA, 2003 - Tedd Mann Hall).
