Concierto de Aranjuez, Second MovementJoaquín Rodrigo1rank/position

Aranjuez Concerto – Rodrigo, arranged version ☆ Aranjuez piano

The Concierto de Aranjuez is a masterpiece composed in 1939 by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo.

Despite its tragic background, it overflows with lyrical beauty that evokes the sights and scents of Spain.

The melodies woven by this blind composer are expressed exquisitely—especially in the second movement—where the interplay between guitar and orchestra is sublime.

It’s a romantic and moving piece that brilliantly fuses Spanish music with classical tradition.

The gentle sonorities of the piano arrangement are also captivating.

This celebrated work is filled with Spain’s passion and Rodrigo’s life—be sure to take your time and savor it.

Sonatina for Two DollsJoaquín Rodrigo2rank/position

Duo Vela plays Joaquín Rodrigo – Sonatina para dos muñecas, piano a 4 manos

Joaquín Rodrigo was a leading 20th-century Spanish composer.

Although he lost his sight in childhood, he blossomed as a musician, studying under Paul Dukas in Paris and laying a solid musical foundation.

Sonatina for Two Dolls is a piano four-hands piece composed in 1977 for his granddaughters.

Structured in four movements depicting children’s daily life—the bright first movement heralding the morning, the second capturing joyful adventures, the third reflecting moments of quiet and introspection, and the fourth portraying the lively return of children from school—the work overflows with familial warmth and affection for children.

Blending Spanish tradition with the composer’s individuality, it is a gem that showcases Rodrigo’s sensitivity and craft.

Do give it a try in performance!

Five Pieces for ChildrenJoaquín Rodrigo3rank/position

Joaquín Rodrigo: Cinco Piezas Infantiles. Regards Piano Duo

Joaquín Rodrigo lost his sight at the age of three due to malignant diphtheria, yet despite the difficulties he faced, he never lost his passion for music and created numerous masterpieces.

One of his early works, Five Children’s Pieces, skillfully depicts the innocence and playfulness of children.

The five short movements each have a distinct atmosphere, yet are united by simple, approachable melodies that are highly appealing.

Particularly striking are the sections where the march-like rhythms evoke the lively energy of children.

While influenced by French Impressionism, the piece also incorporates elements of Spanish traditional music, making it a work that clearly reflects Rodrigo’s unique musical voice.

Second Movement from the ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’Joaquín Rodrigo4rank/position

Healing, Aranjuez Concerto 2nd movement, Best sound, Balance the autonomic nervous system

Rodrigo, the great Spanish composer.

This is a famous guitar piece that is still frequently performed at concerts today.

The oboe and violin passages that appear between the guitar sections are also captivating, and while the piece feels grand, the resonance of the guitar truly strikes the heart.

A Fantasia for a Certain Noble DeityJoaquín Rodrigo5rank/position

Pepe Romero plays Fantasia para un gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo

Rodrigo, who wrote the most famous classical guitar concerto, the Concierto de Aranjuez, also composed another splendid concerto: the Fantasía para un gentilhombre.

It incorporates various forms of Spanish dance.

Dance of AmapolaJoaquín Rodrigo6rank/position

Danza de la amapola (Dance of the Poppy) (version for piano solo)

Despite living with visual impairment, Joaquín Rodrigo displayed extraordinary talent and helped lead the Spanish music scene of the 20th century.

Although he lost his sight in childhood, Rodrigo achieved remarkable success as a pianist, violinist, and composer.

His piano solo piece Dance of the Amapola incorporates elements of traditional Spanish dance music while reflecting Rodrigo’s distinctive musical voice.

Its delicate and brilliant melodies seem to express, in sound, the beauty and transience of the poppy flower.

Through this work—where lively rhythms and beautiful melodies intertwine exquisitely—you can feel a tribute to Spain’s rich culture conveyed through the timbre of the piano.

Adagio, 2nd movement from the Alaphense ConcertoJoaquín Rodrigo7rank/position

Adagio (2nd movement) from the Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo

Among classical works, this is a relatively new piece: a guitar concerto composed in 1939.

It is imbued with prayers and a longing for peace in the wake of the devastation of the Spanish Civil War.

Consisting of three movements, the first is in a classical style, while the second is said to express prayers to God for the composer’s lost child and gravely ill wife.

It carries a sense of melancholy, so it might work well as background music for flashback scenes in dramas or films.