Concierto de Aranjuez
The inspiration for the title of Rodrigo's most well known work comes from the Palace and its surrounding gardens in Aranjuez, Spain. Constructed in the 16th century by Phillip II and rebuilt in the 18th century by Ferdinand VI, the palace was meant to rival that of Versaille. In particular the spirit of courtly society is captured in the third movement's spritely dance-like rhythms and momentum. The somber Adagio, with its famous melody, is inspired by the sorrow Rodrigo felt at the loss of his wife's first pregnancy and provides the perfect contrast to the quick outer movements. Famously, the guitarist Andrés Segovia was insulted that Rodrigo had dedicated the work, not to him, but to guitarist Regino Sainz de la Maza. It was not until Rodrigo dedicated his guitar concerto, Fantasía para un gentilhombre (1954), to Segovia that this feud was resolved.
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