The heart of the program features Spanish composers Isaac Albéniz and Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, in dialogue with traditional, Taiwanese-inspired works of Lee Che-yi.

Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47 is originally written for piano, though it has been arranged and rearranged for many different instruments and ensembles. Not surprisingly, the most famous arrangements are those for guitar. The suite was originally a collection of four movements each representing a different region and dance (the dance is shown in parentheses in each title). Another four movements, previously published separately, were later combined into an eight movement work a few years after composition. Unlike a typical string quartet or symphony, modern arrangements and performances of this suite often do not include all eight movements, nor do they follow a standard performance order.

In contrast to the prolific and well-known Albéniz, Arriaga’s legacy was stunted by his premature death at just 19 years old. He left behind several masterful pieces for string quartet, among other things. The Theme and Variations is one such work and is a testament to his nickname: the “Spanish Mozart”.

The works of these Spanish composers are wrapped in the embrace of Taiwanese artists of no less fame and stature. Contemporary composer Lee Che-yi already has a prolific and diverse repertoire as a composer and arranger. The opening piece, Makatto Rhapsody, features two ceremonial melodies of the Indigenous Taiwanese people. The Square in Front of the Temple portrays the bustling scene of a temple fair (“miaohui”), based on Lee’s experience growing up close to his city’s largest temple.

Amanda Pang, Aeldearre Quartet’s violist, is an accomplished arranger as well. Tucked in to the program is her adaptation of a classic song by the “King of Mandopop” himself, Jay Chou.