Concierto de Aranjuez

Composed in 1939, the Concierto de Aranjuez is a guitar concerto by Joaquín Rodrigo. The work was inspired by the gardens at Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace of Aranjuez), a residence of the King of Spain located in the town of Aranjuez in Spain. The Adagio movement, featuring the interplay of guitar with English horn, is the most famous part of the piece, and is used in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials.

Joaquín Rodrigo (1901 - 1999), was a Spanish composer and pianist. His two most popular works are the Concierto de Aranjuez and the Fantasia para un gentilhombre, which are often paired in recordings. The success of Concierto de Aranjuez led to commissions from a number of prominent soloists, including Nicanor Zabaleta, for whom Rodrigo dedicated his Concierto serenata for harp and orchestra; Julian Lloyd Webber, for whom Rodrigo composed his Concierto como un divertimento for cello and orchestra; and James Galway, for whom Rodrigo composed his Concierto pastoral for flute and orchestra. Rodrigo composed Fantasía para un gentilhombre in 1954 at the request of Andrés Segovia. His Concierto Andaluz for four guitars and orchestra was commissioned by Celedonio Romero for himself and his three sons.

Joaquín Rodrigo received Spain's highest award for composition, the Premio Nacional de Música, in 1983. In 1991, he was awarded the title of Marqués de los Jardines de Aranjuez (Marquis of the Gardens of Aranjuez). In 1996, he received the Prince of Asturias Award, Spain's highest civilian honor; and in 1998, he was named Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.