Rodrigo, Joaquín

Today, Rodrigo is the most famous Spanish composer. He was blinded at the age of three, as a result of a sickness. He used to write his notes in Braille. Like other Spanish composers, Granados and Albéniz, he moved, at the age of 26, to Paris for a few years. There he studied and was later recognized as a talented composer. Ravel and de-Falla helped him publish his works, and Stravinsky affected his concept of composition, incorporating Classic elements in modern music (neo-classicism). A fine example of such a piece is his most famous work "Concierto de Aranjuez" for Guitar and Orchestra. He used elements of Spanish music, combined with the Classic form, creating an artistic pearl, one of the best-loved classical works.

Rodrigo also wrote other pieces, including concerti for different instruments, like the "Concierto Pastorali" for Flute and Orchestra, and the "Fantasy for an Aristocrat" for Guitar and Orchestra. Along with composing music, he was engaged in teaching at university, and in various public musical activities.

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