Joaquin Rodrigo (HWA-keen   rod-REE-go)

Born November 22, 1901 in Valencia, Spain

Died July 6, 1999

Nationality: Spanish

Period/Style: Contemporary

About the composer:

Rodrigo is most remembered as the composer who made the guitar an important voice in classical music. Rodrigo became blind at the age of three due to an epidemic of diphtheria. He turned to music at an early age and loved it from the start, learning piano and violin.  As many of his fellow Spanish composers had done, Rodrigo moved to Paris where he studied composition with the best teachers in the world. He was an outstanding student, and soon prominent composers and musical celebrities of his time came to know about him and his work. Through his many travels he had a chance to meet many of them.  The guitar had been popular in Spain for many years, but usually as a folk instrument. Rodrigo made it fit into the classical music world by writing lots of beautiful music for guitar and symphony orchestra. He was greatly admired for the way he paid homage to his country in his music.  No other composer captured the rich and varied cultures of Spain like Rodrigo did.  His love of Baroque and Classical music also comes through in his music.

About the music:

Fantasy for a Gentleman (approx. 24 min)

This piece is in four movements that vary in mood and color. Notice the different sounds a guitar can make.  Sometimes it’s lyrical, like singing.  At other times we hear chords – several notes played at once. And sometimes it’s almost like a drumming sound.  This music really captures the flavor of Spain.

Suggested activities:

Music has the ability to take people beyond their handicaps, beyond their circumstances in life.  Many great musicians have overcome hardships through their music.  Can you think of some contemporary or recent musicians who enjoyed a successful career in music in spite of their handicaps or other personal challenges?

What does it mean to “pay homage” to someone or something?