Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; FantasA­a para un Gentilhombre

Rodrigo's two "greatest hits," these works for guitar and orchestra made a convenient and frequent LP coupling, but they are a skimpy CD program. One recommendable feature of this CD is the inclusion of two lovely works for solo guitar along with an equally lovely piece for violin and orchestra. Rodrigo deserves to be more than a two-hit wonder, and bravo to Philips for exposing a little more of his music like this. Still, the performances of the "hits" are our major concern here. Pepe Romero plays with complete command of the music, and in the affecting slow movement of the "Concierto" (composed, as we learned only after his death, to mourn the loss of a child who died at birth), he plays his heart out. Marriner and the not so small orchestra give outstandingly crisp and sensitive support, and the recording manages the difficult feat of balancing guitar and orchestra so that the solo instrument remains audible without sounding artificially boosted. There are many fine versions of the concertos on CD, including one by Pepe's brother Angel, several by John Williams, and one by Manuel Barrueco with Placido Domingo conducting. But this Philips disc is as good as any and does have the advantage of the extra music. --Leslie Gerber Amazon.com

After Paco, Pepe sounds like a ...well, joke.

Dear friends and lovers of Spanish guitar music. I just cannot comprehend how Maestro Pepe had the nerve to record another version of the "Concierto" after Paco's performance (Paco de Lucia, naturalmente), with Maestro Rodrigo still alive, present, whatching and listening.
How ungrateful, knowing the closeness between Rodrigo and Pepe!
Rodrigo has said it all: Paco's is the best interpretation of my concierto. Who needs anything more to say?
Sorin February 13, 2008

Concierto De Aranjuez - Rodrigo

On the advice of an email pen pal in Spain I purchased this CD. He has just recently moved to Aranjuez from Sitges and knew my taste in music and in this case he hit it right on. The Academy of St. Martin in the Fileds led by Sir Neveille Marriner playing the music of Rodrigo is a winning combination. October 27, 2007

Concierto de Aranjuez

This is an old favorite I am delighted to have refound. The music is uplifting and Rodrigo does a wonderful job as usual. Very exciting music. January 22, 2007

Do not buy it

Horrible composition, make-no-sense musical arrangement, lack of harmony, sectional, not "together". Buy another Concierto de Aranjuez, not this one. October 12, 2006

The music will take you away!

Try this for a break from bland music. Play in your car while driving to work. The last few minutes of track 2 while bring joy to your heart and tears to your eyes! March 10, 2006

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