Zigeunerweisen(Gypsy Airs,Spanish:Aires gitanos),Op.20, is a musical composition forviolinandorchestrawritten in 1878 by the SpanishcomposerPablo de Sarasate. It was premiered the same year in Leipzig, Germany. It is based on themes of theRoma people, and in the last section the rhythms of thecsrds; this section uses a theme previously used inFranz Liszt’sHungarian Rhapsody No. 13, composed in 1847.

As one of Sarasate’s most popular compositions and a favorite among violin virtuosos, the work has remained a staple on records at least since Sarasate himself recorded it in 1904, in collaboration with fellow composerJuan Mannas the accompanying pianist in the aforementioned recording, although the 3rd movement was omitted due to time constraints of records. Sarasate’s voice is briefly heard in the middle of the record. Before the thunderous 4th movement, the following sentence can be heard: “Abajo el pedal de la sordina”. It has been recorded by a large number of violinists.

Syllabus Information:

• AMEB Violin Licentiate List D