Originally composed as a song titled Chanson espagnole (W315) and dedicated to Mesdemoiselles Rondanelli, this work was later transcribed for solo piano by Chaminade and published in 1895. The title sometimes is called Air Espagnol, characterized by its lyrical melody, evocative rhythms, and Spanish-inflected harmonies, it became one of her most frequently arranged compositions.

Chaminade later included the piece in her Petite Suite (Enoch plate 8665), alongside Air italien, Op. 170, No. 2, and Chanson russe, Op. 38, No. 3.

Transcriptions
Piano four hands: by Chaminade in 1913 (Enoch plate 7574)
Violin and piano: by Fritz Kreisler (Enoch plate 8397) and Dezső Lederer (Enoch plate 1903)
Accordion: by Harold De Bozi (Enoch plate 9231-10)
Orchestra: by Victor Charmettes in 1926