Moszkowski's Spanish Dances were originally composed for piano. They date from 1876. They were an immediate hit. Moszkowski's publisher received requests from all quarters to also make alternative versions. The publisher, Edition Peters, agreed and engaged Philipp Scharwenka, one of Germany's leading composers and a professor of composition at a famous conservatory, to create two versions for piano trio--one for the standard ensemble and one for two violins and piano. Along with the original, these arrangements have become quite popular. A version for violin and piano, among others, came into being. Along with the original, it has become the most popular. In the violin version, impressive double and triple stops and many other virtuoso effects were included.
Moritz (Maurice) Moszkowski (1854-1925) was born in Breslau, Prussia (now Wroclaw, Poland). He studied music in Breslau, Dresden, and Berlin. He not only enjoyed a career as a brilliant and prominent concert pianist and respected conductor, but was also a fine composer and a first-rate teacher. Among his many students were Thomas Beecham, Frank Damrosch, Josef Hofmann, and Joaquin Turina. Although his music is little known today, it was popular during the late nineteenth century. He was quite prolific, composing over two hundred pieces. Of Moszkowski, the famous pianist Paderewski wrote, "After Chopin, he best understands how to write for the piano." Although Moszkowski composed primarily small-scale piano pieces, he also wrote larger-scale works, including a Piano Concerto, a Violin Concerto, two orchestral suites, a symphony, a ballet, and an opera.
This work is a brilliant tour de force and a sure audience pleaser. Any of these dances makes a great encore or short recital work, and together, all five can take the place of a full-length sonata.