Austria has its waltzes, America its marches, and Spain its pasodobles. The origin of the latter genre is unclear, but it appears to have gained popularity in the second half of the 19th century, when it was regularly heard in the zarzuela, the Spanish operetta. This march-like dance music was also heard in the bullfighting arenas and during parades played by military brass bands. Most pasodobles
… composers were associated with such corps, including Pascual Marquina. He composed the world famous pasodoble 'España cañi', with which this CD by the English Chamber Orchestra begins. Another well-known pasodoble is "Gallito", written by Santiage Lope in 1904 in honor of the bullfighter Fernando Gómez. All pasodobles that can be heard on the CD, were arranged for orchestra by Carmelo Bernaola. The English Chamber Orchestra is conducted by the Spaniard Enrique García Asencio. (CP) _more
