This arrangement is for viola and cello playing pizzicato is in the key of D. A tempo of 62 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. There are many different versions of this piece and there is a contrast between the triplet figuration combined with the habanera patten. Accompaniments are in place featuring the sound of the pizzicato cello and they play at 58, 60, 62 and 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Yradier was a Spanish born composer who despite the universal popularity of the piece died in obscurity in 1865. Based on the Cuban habanera rhythm, “La Paloma” (The Dove) was written after the composer visited Cuba around 1860 and became very popular world wide.
