The Fantasia para un gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo is based on a tuneful collection of songs and dances by the 17th century Spanish guitarist/composer Gaspar Sanz.
Rodrigo wrote it in 1954 for Andres Segovia, who was at the time the world's most famous classical guitarist. The Fantasy for a Gentleman is a delightful suite for guitar and orchestra in four movements about the same length as the more famous Concierto de Aranjeuz from 1939.
The "Gentleman" of the title of the Fantasy was Segovia. It's said the great guitarist was disappointed he did not get to premier the Concierto de Aranjuez and that the newer work was Rodrigo's way of making it up to him. Segovia was apparently happy with the new piece and performed and recorded it. He never did, however, perform in public or record the even more famous Concierto de Aranjuez.
On the next Fretworks, I'll have a fine recording and performance of the Fantasia para un gentilhombre from Milos Karadaglic and the London Philharmonic from the guitarists' Mercury Classics/ Deutsche Grammophon CD that also includes the Concierto de Aranjuez. Karadaglic, who now goes by just "Milos," is a popular artist from the Balkan country of Montenegro and a star of the classical guitar world.
Also on the next Fretworks, the Falla Trio will perform a suite from Igor Stravinsky's neo-classical ballet Pulcinella, arranged for three guitars. Lutenist Paul O'Dette takes us to the early 17th century for selections from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book, and the Castellani-Andriaccio Duo plays the Tango Duo by contemporary Argentinean composer Adrien Politi.
Join me for Fretworks Saturday and Wednesday evenings at 7 on Classical 101.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lC1Qy5KheA