What is capriccio espagnol?

Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34, is a five-movement orchestral suite written by the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. It was composed in 1887 and premiered in St. Petersburg in 1888 by the Russian Symphony Orchestra.

The piece is heavily influenced by Spanish music and culture, featuring lively rhythms, colorful orchestrations, and virtuosic solos. Each movement of the suite is based on various Spanish themes and dances, including a fandango, an alborada, a scene and gypsy song, a variation on the fandango, and a final dance.

Capriccio espagnol is considered one of Rimsky-Korsakov's most popular and well-known works, showcasing his skill as an orchestrator and his ability to weave together diverse musical elements into a cohesive and exciting composition. It has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire and is frequently performed by symphonies and orchestras around the world.