Originally for piano, Chabrier's Habanera was arranged for orchestra by the composer for a concert he conducted in Angers on November 4, 1888. The piano version was also the first to be published (Enoch Freres et Costallat, 1885). The orchestral version, which is transposed up to D major, was not issued until 1889. The Habanera is a fine example of the Spanish genre which was so popular in the works of French composers in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Richard W. Sargeant's newly engraved is based upon the 1889 first edition score and parts, the composer's manuscript having vanished during the second world war. The study score offered here is a reduced format reproduction of thr large conductor score which is also available along with the orchestral parts from Serenissima Music.