Among the piano works from the beginning of the Spanish composer's life, the twelve Danzas españolas published in 1890-1895 mark an important stage in his development. They are in the tradition of character pieces by a Chopin or a Schumann, while nevertheless presenting a marked individual color, thanks to the borrowing of dances from all over Spain. This also goes for the fifth dance, which with its catchy, somewhat nostalgic melody, quickly became popular. Better than any other piece, “Andaluza” testifies to our representations of the music of southern Spain - even if it was only awarded this title posthumously.