El Cid musically portrays the thrilling adventures and conquests of Rodrigo DÃaz de Vivar, a nobleman and military leader in medieval Spain. This rewarding work uses an infectious Spanish rhythm ostinato 3+3, 2+2+2 in 3/4 time that undergirds the main theme, driving the piece as it builds. Ample percussion, including an important tambourine part, contributes to the Spanish feel.