Overview

"Joaquín Rodrigo is best known as the composer of one of the most popular works of music in the classical repertoire-the Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra. Jazz great Miles Davis said of the work, ""After listening to it for a couple of weeks, . . . I couldn't get it out of my mind,"" and used it as inspiration for his album Sketches of Spain. But Javier Suárez-Pajares and Walter Aaron Clark demonstrate in this musical biography that Rodrigo's work and influence extend far beyond that singular work. Blinded in infancy, Rodrigo didn't allow visual limitations to prevent him from pursuing his passion for music; traveling to study in Paris; connecting with a wide range of musicians, authors, and artists; and navigating the political and cultural complexities of Franco's Spain. Though firmly grounded in the traditional music of Spain, his creative reach extended to a wide variety of styles, genres, and media. He was as versatile as he was prolific and, one hundred years after his first serious composition, remains a figure of global renown."

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9781324004455

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Reviews

A joy to read for everyone who has been inspired by the music of Rodrigo. It helps us understand the trials through his life and how by creating beauty he overcame the obstacles he encountered. An intimate and informative narrative that takes us through the life of the composer, both musically and personally.--David Russell, classical guitarist At long last, a critical biography and exploration of the music of Joaquín Rodrigo, the quintessential Spanish composer of the twentieth century. A truly remarkable volume that will be cherished by scholars, musicians, and music lovers.--Michael Christoforidis, author of Manuel de Falla and Visions of Spanish Music A Light in the Darkness offers a perfect window through which to look at the music and life of Joaquín Rodrigo and discover the real essence of his genius. A magnificent revelation of the man I so dearly loved and admired.--Pepe Romero, classical guitarist A nuanced portrait of the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo and his world. Especially rewarding is the musical detail: the authors go well beyond Rodrigo's celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez to illuminate many lesser-known works, offering a rich reading experience filled with new insights.--Carol A. Hess, author of Sacred Passions: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla

"A passionate, definitive account of a great artist.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" (2/10/2024 12:00:00 AM) A joy to read for everyone who has been inspired by the music of Rodrigo. It helps us understand the trials through his life and how by creating beauty he overcame the obstacles he encountered. An intimate and informative narrative that takes us through the life of the composer, both musically and personally.--David Russell, classical guitarist At long last, a critical biography and exploration of the music of Joaquín Rodrigo, the quintessential Spanish composer of the twentieth century. A truly remarkable volume that will be cherished by scholars, musicians, and music lovers.--Michael Christoforidis, author of Manuel de Falla and Visions of Spanish Music A Light in the Darkness offers a perfect window through which to look at the music and life of Joaquín Rodrigo and discover the real essence of his genius. A magnificent revelation of the man I so dearly loved and admired.--Pepe Romero, classical guitarist A nuanced portrait of the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo and his world. Especially rewarding is the musical detail: the authors go well beyond Rodrigo's celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez to illuminate many lesser-known works, offering a rich reading experience filled with new insights.--Carol A. Hess, author of Sacred Passions: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla"

"A passionate, definitive account of a great artist.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" A joy to read for everyone who has been inspired by the music of Rodrigo. It helps us understand the trials through his life and how by creating beauty he overcame the obstacles he encountered. An intimate and informative narrative that takes us through the life of the composer, both musically and personally.--David Russell, classical guitarist At long last, a critical biography and exploration of the music of Joaqu�n Rodrigo, the quintessential Spanish composer of the twentieth century. A truly remarkable volume that will be cherished by scholars, musicians, and music lovers.--Michael Christoforidis, author of Manuel de Falla and Visions of Spanish Music [A] thorough and thoughtful chronicle of the composer's life and work...[W]ell worth reading...May A Light in the Darkness lead new listeners to Rodrigo's music and life.--Tim Page ""Wall Street Journal"" [R]eaders of A Light in the Darkness are sure to gain deeper insight into Joaqu�n Rodrigo's life and timeless artistry.--Robert Ferguson ""Soundboard"" A Light in the Darkness offers a perfect window through which to look at the music and life of Joaqu�n Rodrigo and discover the real essence of his genius. A magnificent revelation of the man I so dearly loved and admired.--Pepe Romero, classical guitarist A nuanced portrait of the Spanish composer Joaqu�n Rodrigo and his world. Especially rewarding is the musical detail: the authors go well beyond Rodrigo's celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez to illuminate many lesser-known works, offering a rich reading experience filled with new insights.--Carol A. Hess, author of Sacred Passions: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla"

"""A Light in the Darkness offers a perfect window through which to look at the music and life of Joaquín Rodrigo and discover the real essence of his genius. A magnificent revelation of the man I so dearly loved and admired."" -- Pepe Romero, classical guitarist ""At long last, a critical biography and exploration of the music of Joaquín Rodrigo, the quintessential Spanish composer of the twentieth century. A truly remarkable volume that will be cherished by scholars, musicians, and music lovers."" -- Michael Christoforidis, author of Manuel de Falla and Visions of Spanish Music ""A joy to read for everyone who has been inspired by the music of Rodrigo. It helps us understand the trials through his life and how by creating beauty he overcame the obstacles he encountered. An intimate and informative narrative that takes us through the life of the composer, both musically and personally."" -- David Russell, classical guitarist ""A nuanced portrait of the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo and his world. Especially rewarding is the musical detail: the authors go well beyond Rodrigo’s celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez to illuminate many lesser-known works, offering a rich reading experience filled with new insights."" -- Carol A. Hess, author of Sacred Passions: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla"

"A passionate, definitive account of a great artist.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" (2/10/2024 12:00:00 AM) A joy to read for everyone who has been inspired by the music of Rodrigo. It helps us understand the trials through his life and how by creating beauty he overcame the obstacles he encountered. An intimate and informative narrative that takes us through the life of the composer, both musically and personally.--David Russell, classical guitarist At long last, a critical biography and exploration of the music of Joaqu�n Rodrigo, the quintessential Spanish composer of the twentieth century. A truly remarkable volume that will be cherished by scholars, musicians, and music lovers.--Michael Christoforidis, author of Manuel de Falla and Visions of Spanish Music A Light in the Darkness offers a perfect window through which to look at the music and life of Joaqu�n Rodrigo and discover the real essence of his genius. A magnificent revelation of the man I so dearly loved and admired.--Pepe Romero, classical guitarist A nuanced portrait of the Spanish composer Joaqu�n Rodrigo and his world. Especially rewarding is the musical detail: the authors go well beyond Rodrigo's celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez to illuminate many lesser-known works, offering a rich reading experience filled with new insights.--Carol A. Hess, author of Sacred Passions: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla"

Author Information

Javier Suárez-Pajares is professor of musicology at the Complutense University of Madrid, where he resides. Walter Aaron Clark is professor of musicology at the University of California, Riverside, where he directs the Center for Iberian and Latin American Music. He resides in Murrieta, California.

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