Trece Tamales for piano consists of 13 miniatures, each lasting between 1 and 2.5 minutes. It is named for the Latin American cuisine, tamal, which is a corn-based snack that has endless varieties of filling and is ubiquitous in Latin American countries. The miniatures are named after the various kinds of tamales available to enjoy, though the actual number of varieties is innumerable, as each country and region develops its own distinct variations. Tamales are truly creative snacks that continuously incorporate new and novel ingredients.

Each miniature is derived from a tone row matrix and one of the final miniatures requires that the pianist insert putty onto strings inside the piano.

The miniatures are as follows, but may be played in any order suitable to the performer:

1. Carnitas (Braised Shredded Pork)≤

2. Elote (Corn Cob)

3. Nopal (Cactus)

4. Dulce (Sweet)

5. Sencillo (Simple)

6. Chiles (Chili Peppers)

7. Pollo (Chicken)

8. Frijoles (Beans)

9. Coco (Coconut)

10. Queso (Cheese)

11. Uva Pasa (Raisin)

12. Calabaza (Pumpkin)

13. Chorizo (Spicy Pork Sausage)