Alhambra

From the spellbinding majesty of the Alhambra to the thunderous war machine called Conquistadores, Jon Mark has again captured the soul and spirit of a people in his music. The Alhambra was at one time the royal city/fortress of the Moors, looking down over Spanish Granada, with numerous and wonderful palaces, courtyards, fountains, and splenderous gardens. It was built over the course of centuries, and became the birthplace of countless legends of opulence, mighty rulers, intrigue, and romance. As in The Standing Stones of Callanish and Land of Merlin, Jon Mark weaves ancient melodies and rhythms into his electronic tapestry, this time portraying the elegance and grandeur of medieval Spain. With classical guitar accents, sounds of harp, trumpet, and the hot desert wind adding vivid colorings, Alhambra is yet another haunting soundtrack to give wings to ever-nomadic imaginations.

The Alhambra Palace was built in the early Middle Ages, in the city of Granada, following the Arab conquest of Spain. With its impressive mosaics and sun-drenched gardens, it inspired the creation of many wonderful compositions throughout the centuries. While several works of Francisco Tárrega, Isaac Albéniz and Joaquín Turina have a direct connection to the Alhambra Palace, the Arabian influence is evident in most pieces on this Album.

L’Alhambra, ensemble palatial fondé aux XIIIe et XIVe siècles par les souverains arabes de Grenade, est resté dans l’ombre pendant plusieurs siècles après la fin de la Reconquista. Les Espagnols furent les premiers à « redécouvrir » l’Alhambra au XVIIIe siècle, alors que ses visiteurs étrangers en firent l’une des premières destinations touristiques du XIXe siècle. Beaucoup ont laissé de précieuses traces de leur passage …