Concierto de Aranjuez

'The Concierto de Aranjuez is probably Joaquín Rodrigo's best-known work, its success establishing his reputation as one of the foremost post-war Spanish composers. Written in early 1939, in Paris, amid the tensions of the pending war, it was the first work he had written for guitar and orchestra. The instrumentation is unique: rarely does the guitar face the forces of a full orchestra. However, the guitar is never overwhelmed, remaining the solo instrument throughout.

Premiere

• 9 November 1940
• Regino Sainz de la Maza, Orquesta Filarmónica de Barcelona
• Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona
• Conductor César Mendoza Lasalle