Joaquín Rodrigo: Writings on Music

Joaquيn Rodrigo, Spains leading composer of the second half of the twentieth century, was also a writer of considerable distinction. In addition to his 170 compositions in almost every musical form, including the world-famous Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra, he published articles and critical reviews throughout his working life. This volume makes available Rodrigos writings to English-speaking readers throughout the world. The generous selection reveals an outstanding critical mind, equally illuminating on the main developments in the history of classical music and its most important composers, from Bach and Mozart to Verdi and Puccini, as well as Rodrigos contemporaries. Rodrigos writings also cover many aspects of the culture and music of Spain and the countrys major composers, as well as being an invaluable guide to an understanding and appreciation of Rodrigos own works. The composers style of writing is extremely varied, by turns incisive, eloquent, poetic, or delightfully humorous. Given the worldwide fame and popularity of his music, the availability in English of a large number of the composers many articles and critical reviews will be of the greatest interest to musicians, scholars, music critics, and music-lovers alike.