Concierto Madrigal; Concierto para una Fiesta by Joaquin Rodrigo. Guitars: Ricardo Gallen and Joaquin Clerch. Asturias Symphony Orchestra. Naxos 8.555842
Naxos continues its recorded series of Rodrigo concertos with two more, this time for guitar.
Concierto Madrigal was based on an anonymous Spanish madrigal from Rennaisance times. O Felici occhi miei (O happy eyes of mine) was written in 1967 and is significant in its title as Rodrigo lost his sight as a child after a bout of diptheria.
It has vibrancy and is a very energetic, yet lyrical composition, written for two guitars. My favourite track the Allegro vivace - truly Spanish in theme and drama - signals the end of this joyful concerto.
Concierto para una Fiesta is, as its title suggests, a lively piece as befits a celebration. Privately commissioned by Texans William and Carol McKay, in 1982, to celebrate his two debutant daughters 'coming out' it had its premiere at the Ridgelea Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, and is reportedly one that sets a new standard for the guitar.
This is played beautifully, and has echoes of the well-known Concierto de Aranjuez, the only other piece written by him for solo guitar and orchestra.
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