Concierto de Aranjuez

Rodrigo’s association with the guitar makes it surprising he neither played nor had written for it prior to Concierto de Aranjuez. Inspired by the gardens surrounding the eponymous royal palace, it was composed in 1939 and premiered by Regino Sainz de la Maza in Barcelona on 9 November the following year. Its three movements are lucidly and classically proportioned. The opening “Allegro con spirito” is prefaced by flamenco-like figuration before a first theme from woodwind and strings, with the second theme announced by guitar and featuring piquant instrumental contributions. The “Adagio” starts with guitar accompanying a soulful melody on cor anglais before elaborating it in a wide-ranging dialogue. A lengthy cadenza gradually builds in a crescendo of activity to a fervent restatement of the melody on full orchestra, after which the soloist effects a limpid close. The final “Allegro gentile” begins with a syncopated guitar theme, partnered by orchestra in what becomes a teasing rhythmic interplay that eventually culminates in a spirited orchestral presentation, the soloist returning for a laconic payoff. Initially slow to make progress outside Spain, Concierto de Aranjuez has latterly established itself among the most popular 20th-century works and inspired a wealth of musicians from Miles Davis to Demis Roussos.