Music

The advert features the John Altman arrangement of ‘Asturias’ from Suite Española by Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz. The music (recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios ), created to maximise the impact of the Icelandic landscape, is expected to become an instantly recognisable component of the Scottish Widows brand.

Isaac Albeniz

Isaac Albeniz was born in 1860 in Camprodon, Spain. He was a child prodigy whose first piano performance took place when he was just four years old, and by age 15 he had given piano concerts worldwide. After three years spent at the Brussels Conservatory he graduated in 1879 and was awarded first prize for piano performance.

Thereafter he returned to Spain, where he was inspired to write music about his homeland such as: Spanish Rhapsody, Catalonia, Iberia and Suite Española, Op. 47 – from which the music from our advert is taken.

Originally written for piano, it is more famous as a piece for classical guitar.

Albeniz spent much of the late 19th century living in London and Paris, composing music for the stage. His most famous work, Iberia, was his last. Composed between 1905 and his death in 1909.

Source: Wikipedia.org

John Altman

John Altman is the Emmy award winning composer behind films such as Little Voice and Titanic. He has spent time as musical director for Van Morrison and has worked with Sting and Eric Clapton.

Source: IMDB.com