Arabesques for Solo Piano - Digital (Not Printable)

MovementsI. Intrada: PersepolisII. PetraIII. LuxorIV. Sana’a Composer note“Arabesques” as a title was used by Robert Schumann and by Claude Debussy. In both cases, the term had no ethnic significance. It only denoted the decorative aspect, typified by geometric tiles used in Islamic architecture. My use of the term came about after visits to Iran, Jordan, Egypt and Yemen, in an attempt to portray these localities in a historical context. Persepolis is arguably the most important place in the history of Western civilization. This is where it all begun. This is where Alexander the Great defeated Darius, King of Persia, making it possible for ancient Greece to become the cradle of Western civilization and all that implies. Petra is a unique unforgettable caravan crossroads site, built in 500 BC. The access to its world-famous heart is through a long slot canyon, often only 9 feet wide, prone to flash flooding, with sheer pink stone walls 100 feet high. Most of the original palatial tomb b