Asturias (Leyenda), Op. 47 No. 5

Originally composed for piano as part of the Suite española and later placed in the collection Chants d'Espagne, Asturias — more commonly known as Leyenda in its guitar arrangement — has become one of the most beloved and most-performed pieces in the classical guitar repertoire. The transcription for guitar, dating from around 1900 and attributed variously to Emilio Pujol and Francisco Tárrega, is so idiomatic that many listeners assume it was composed directly for the instrument: the opening tremolo melody over bass drones mimics the sound of flamenco guitar, while the stormy middle section demands rapid alternating passages and wide position shifts. The characteristic Phrygian modality and Moorish atmosphere evoke the spirit of flamenco without literal quotation. The piece is taught in virtually every conservatory guitar programme and has become one of the defining calling-cards of classical guitar performance worldwide.