Born:1901, Sagunto, Spain
Died: 1999, Madrid, Spain

“In heaven we will all be sounds.”

A virtuoso pianist although blind since the age of three, Rodrigo studied extensively in Valencia and Paris. With the introduction of his Concierto de Aranjuez, Rodrigo became the defining Spanish composer of the post-Civil War era, composing another ten concertos, numerous songs, solo pieces for piano and for guitar, as well as orchestral, choral, and theater music. His works are generally conservative – “faithful to a tradition,” in his words – neo-classic in formal clarity and imbued with great melodic eloquence.

Further listening:

Fantasía para un gentilhombre (1954)
Pepe Romero, Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (Philips)

Songs
Plácido Domingo; Manuel Barrueco, guitar (EMI)