The music of Joaquin Rodrigo and his contemporaries – April 29, 2016

The music of Joaquin Rodrigo and his contemporaries

Lawrence Ferrara & Bruno Panunzio, guitar soloists

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo’s music is among the most popular music of the 20th century. He is best known for his guitar music, and he has brought a profound influence on his contemporaries Isaac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, and Federico Moreno-Torroba. Come hear the Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra reduction, performed by guitarist Bruno Panunzio. In the Concierto de Aranjuez Rodrigo made musical references to the beauty of the extensive gardens at the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the historical summer residence of Spanish royalty. Concierto de Aranjuez enjoys an astoundingly popular success throughout the world and is a Spanish favorite for both musicians and audiences. Also on the program will be Rodrigo’s rousing Fantasía para un Gentilhombre, for guitar and orchestra reduction, performed by Lawrence Ferrara. In the Fantasía para un Gentilhombre, Rodrigo used material from a suite of pieces by the Spanish composer Gaspar Sanz written in the 17th century. Rodrigo arranged these Baroque dances with his own musical vocabulary consisting of enchanting melodies and harmonies. The ‘gentleman’ mentioned in the title refers the great guitarist Andrés Segovia to whom this work has been dedicated.