A wonderfully melodious and simple, but by no means easy piece, Adelita is a highly memorable work in the classical guitar repertoire. Within its concise and tuneful sixteen measures, there are parallel minor and major keys, grace notes, shifting voices in the melody, and even an augmented sixth chord. Also note how Tárrega begins both the A and B sections by repeating a short motive twice, the second repeat either descending by step or repeating exactly, followed by a third repeat ending with a contrasting arpeggio or scale run. This can be seen in measures 1-4 and 9-12 (see below).
Adelita by Francisco Tárrega
Adelita by Francisco Tárrega
Adelita by Francisco Tárrega
A wonderfully melodious and simple, but by no means easy piece, Adelita is a highly memorable work in the classical guitar repertoire. Within its concise and tuneful sixteen measures, there are parallel minor and major keys, grace notes, shifting voices in the melody, and even an augmented sixth chord. Also note how Tárrega begins both the A and B sections by repeating a short motive twice, the second repeat either descending by step or repeating exactly, followed by a third repeat ending with a contrasting arpeggio or scale run. This can be seen in measures 1-4 and 9-12 (see below).