LA CATEDRAL, one of Barrios` great masterpieces was originally written c. 1914 in a 2 movement form: Andante Religioso and Allegro Solemne. The inspiration for these movements came from an experience Barrios had in the Cathedral of San Jose in Montevideo, Uraguay. Passing by the church one day, he heard from within the music of J.S. Bach being played on the mighty cathedral organ. The Andante Religioso represents this impression. Upon its termination, Barrios then leaves the serene, religious atmosphere of the cathedral and once again walks out into the busy street...the bustling, hurried temporal world. The Allegro Solemne represents this contrasting impression. Years later, in 1938, in Havana, Cuba, Barrios created the Prelude, subtitled "Saudade" dedicated to his wife, Gloria. He then added this Prelude to the Andante Religioso and the Allegro Solemne. In this 3-part form he played the piece during his final years. Many versions of LA CATEDRAL have been located, all of which contain slight variations. These differences are included in this edition for the player`s consideration