Herbert Lindholm - Sacromonte, Op. 54

“Sacromonte” for solo guitar is a piece by the Finnish composer Herbert Lindholm dedicated to Kai Nieminen, who premiered the composition and helped to edit and give fingerings to it. The piece evokes the image of the traditional Spanish suburbs, in particular, that of the eponymous neighborhood in Andalusia, Spain. Sacromonte is specially known for its caves, which historically housed many of the socially marginalized among the Spanish. One particular feature is called the “Ravine of the Blacks”, located on Mount Valparaíso. Legend has the caves being initially excavated at the aforementioned ravine by freed “blackamoorish” slaves formerly belonging to the fleeing Arabs, who were dislodged by the Reconquista. The Arabs were said to have buried their valuable belongings and treasures in the hillside in case they ever return and reclaim Granada. The former slaves dug holes into the hills in various unsuccessful attempts to recover the treasures. With no treasure in sight and no other resourc