La Paloma

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the German performing rights society GEMA in 2003 La Paloma von Sebastián de Yradier was chosen as the ‘song of the century’. The Spanish composer began his career as an organist and then taught singing in Madrid before moving to Paris. In 1857 he travelled to the Caribbean, developing an interest in the Habañera form and Creole music. Drawing inspiration from this experience he composed numerous pieces with Spanish influence which were published individually by Schott in 1870 in the series Fleurs d’Espagne, 2me collection. Of these, only No. 14 has survived: The Dove (in Spanish La Paloma) is possibly the most often played, arranged and recorded piece of all time. Otto Langey added a pretty introduction to his arrangement for violin (1890). It is a popular piece for domestic music-making. More recent recordings featuring Hans Albers, Freddy Quinn, Elvis Presley and many others, have made this Spanish serenade with its typical Habañera accompaniment famous, and it can readily be played at home, too. Edition based on plate no. 02567, first published in 1890 as plate no. 24490.