It's a phrase from a 1902 composition by Spanish classical guitarist and composer Francisco Tarrega, called Gran Vals.

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They were synonymous with a progressive theory of composition that replaced classical forms with organic structure, harmonic freedom and subjects derived from literature.

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Other finalists included previous winner Aaron Jay Kernis for classical composition "Pieces of Winter Sky" and jazz musician Wadada Leo Smith for "Ten Freedom Summers, " a 10-part examination of the civil rights movement.

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