Spain is a place infused with rich national colors. Due to geographical location, political factors, many ethnic conflicts and integration in history urges Spain to develop art culture with connotations. However, during the development of western music, Spanish piano music was always unable to compete with the music development in Germany and Austria. The Spanish-style folk music is always the favorite material of the composers since the nineteenth century. But till the impacts of nationalism thought appeared in the mid-nineteenth century, Felipe Pedrell (1841-1922), a musicologist prompted to advocate the revival movement of Spanish music, Spain started to attach importance to local music, and until the rise of Nationalism, Spanish piano music began to enter its golden age. With revolved around the thoughts of Romanticism and Nationalism, there are four significant representative composers, which are Isaac Albeniz, (1860-1909), Enrique Granados (1867- 1916), Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) and Joaquin Turina (1882-1949), they integrated the Spanish folk traditions, dance, painting, life and other material into the music. Granados’ works was said to possess the most Romanticism color among them, meanwhile he integrated the Romantic style into the Spanish music, then emerges the unique expression of the Spanish music.

The thesis will focus on one of the most important piano works “Valses Poéticos” of Granados, who is the representative of Spanish pianist-composer. This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter one states the research motives, methods and scope of the thesis. Chapter two introduces the cultures of Spain and explores the life style and musical inspiration of Granados. Chapter three discusses his style of piano works. Chapter four discusses the creation background and analysis of “Valses Poéticos”, with focus on the musical style and the composition material used. Chapter five states the music interpretation and review of “Valses Poéticos” based on the learning experience of the author, with focus on significant music passages. The last chapter states the conclusion after summarized the discussions of each chapter. Through this thesis, the author hopes to have a deeper understanding on the creative spirit of the composer, getting more acquainted with the unique musical language of Granados, and get closer to the interpretation of the composer’s style.