Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez

Classical Music Datebook: November 9

Composer Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra, premieres in Barcelona, Spain.

The Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo is first performed on November 9, 1940. It is a composition for classical guitar and orchestra. Written in 1939, it is considered his best-known work, and its worldwide success established his reputation as one of the most significant Spanish composers of the 20th century.

• Premiere: November 9, 1940
• Guitarist: Regino Sainz de la Maza
• Orchestra: Orquesta Filarmónica de Barcelona
• Conductor: César Mendoza Lasalle
• Venue: Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain

This concerto is in the traditional three movements:

1. Allegro con spirito
2. Adagio
3. Allegro gentile

The second movement is marked by its slow pace and quiet melody, introduced by the English horn, with a soft accompaniment by the guitar and strings.

Video Credit:

Narciso Yepes - Concierto de Aranjuez YouTube, Uploaded by bonsillens, Accessed November 8, 2013.

Resources:

• Annala, Hannu; Heiki Mätlik (2008). Handbook of Guitar and Lute Composers. Mel Bay Publications.
• Coelho, Victor; Jonathan Cross (2003). The Cambridge Companion to the Guitar. Cambridge University Press.
• Morris, Mark (1999). The Pimlico Dictionary of Twentieth Century Composers. London. Pimlico.

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