A Magical Guitar
A Reason to Smile
Most people typically associate the guitar with more modern categories of music: country, rock and roll, blues. But of course the guitar is a wonderfully versatile instrument, also boasting an impressive body of work in the classical genre.
Today we share one of the most revered classical guitar compositions of all time, the “Concierto de Aranjuez” by the 20th century Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo.
There are many wonderful performances of the piece to choose from online, but we found this rendition by the Spanish guitar virtuoso Pepe Romero particularly smile inducing. Simply put, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking soundtrack to any day or mood.
Romero is accompanied by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, showing once again how music can cross time and cultures. And the interplay among all these different instruments, supporting but not overshadowing the guitar’s spotlight, is something to behold.
The concerto was inspired by the gardens at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez outside of Madrid. But the music has the power to transport you anywhere.
Happy listening.
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This is one of my all time favorite pieces of music. Dynamic, romantic, whimsical. My husband's passion was classical guitar. Our home was filled with the music of Bach, Rodrigo, etal. We went to several concerts in NYC, where we once lived. One such was given by Pepe Romero, his brother Angel and their two sons. It was breathtaking. This Aranjuez will take me back, in the best way, to that other time and place. Thank you, Dan.
I have a friend who just suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak or walk, he was the best acoustical guitarist I've ever heard. He could make that thing sound like it was speaking, just beautiful.