Composed in 1920, this piece was commissioned by the French magazine 'La Revue Musicale' for a commemorative issue following Debussy's death in 1918. Originally conceived as a short piece for guitar, it was later arranged by Falla himself for orchestra and piano.

It is based on the Phrygian mode, in 2/4 time, marked Mesto e calmo. A sorrowful melody is quietly sung throughout, set to the rhythm of a slow habanera.

Tremolos and guitar-like strumming are effectively employed, allowing the piece's ethnic character to thrive even with its sparse texture, and imparting a mysterious atmosphere. The appearance of fragments from Debussy's 'La Puerta del Vino' and 'Soirée dans Grenade' is particularly striking and adds to its appeal.