Joaquín Rodrigo : Concierto serenata for harp and orchestra (1952)

[@briancrowle6290]

Lovely performance. I used to have a DGG LP of this with Zabaleta playing harp. Wish I'd kept it! But this version compares well. Is there anything in all music which is as exquisitely beautiful and heartbreakingly sad as the opening of the second movement? It gets right into my soul every time i hear it. And then, out of nowhere, comes this lively little fugue before the reprise of the opening music. Absolute magic. This piece deserves to be better known.

[@aliask2]

J. Rodrigo è sempre una certezza di fine e bella musica. Per qualunque strumento al quale si voglia dedicare con la sua maestria.

[@martyjewell5683]

One of the nicest pieces and performances there is. A ten best candidate for sure. I first heard this in 1977 on a friends LP and didn't find the title until a few years ago but the melody was stuck in my mind. If you have not heard this on a quality hifi system with full range speakers you are truly missing something very special. Kick back in your easy chair with a glass of wine or a brew or even a joint and chill to this piece. A mental enema for sure!!

[@jq4t49f3]

In my last years at university in the late 60s I built a class A transistor stereo set that was the envy of my friends. It would still compare favourably today! Rodrigo's concertos were among my favourites...

[@martyjewell5683]

@@jq4t49f3, very impressive. Class A is transistors always on (I think). You're a regular Saul Marantz. That is quite an accomplishment. Class A amps became popular in later 1970's.

[@jq4t49f3]

@@martyjewell5683 Always on, yes! They ran hot, 1A @ 50v quiescent with heatsinks to match but only 10w available for sound.

[@Blackgeoff1]

I so agree with you on every point - it really is one of the loveliest pieces and performances there is .... presented with a quality hifi system, a favourite easy chair, a glass of wine and a joint .... life doesn't get better than this..

[@bgccallahan4116]

The whimsy of this work is utterly delightful!

[@Paul49Giloi]

Thanks Rodders - Really beautiful

[@corrado1675]

Bravissima l'arpista.

[@encarnamartin3538]

Gracias por hacernos disfrutar

[@jaymechem1182]

Thank you So much!! ♥️ This piece makes my soul smile!!

[@trueconextionmusic7707]

Very underrated concerto. The entry is really magnificent.

[@miketackabery7521]

I've loved this concerto for years. Have played it for many friends and the minute they hear the beginning they're hooked. I felt the same way: never imagined a concerto for harp could sound like that. He was ennobled near the end of his life and is buried at Aranjuez.

[@SoraSonorei2022]

It sounds like A WELL OF YOUTH

[@vaughanosgan8766]

An absolute beauty......

[@manueljoseblancamolinos8582]

En el primer movimiento hay una referencia a las caleseras de El barberillo de Lavapies kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWalXmqJmNGCjrM

[@manitasdeplata01]

I have this LP in my collection, re-bought it on CD as will always be my favorite version of this piece. I had also the privilege to attend a concert of Nicanor Zabaleta and guitarist Narciso Yepez at Carnegie Hall where they played a program with transcriptions of Rodrigo's Fantasia para un gentilhombre.

[@hectorcarrilloverdadero]

MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS , EXCELENTE.

[@maxmerry8470]

Nancy Allen's harp is exquisite throughout this delightful Concerto. I love the cadenza in the first movement, while the Intermezzo is elegant in a classical way. Harp, woodwinds and strings seem to engage in a lively, almost flirtatious, three-way dialogue in the final movement......

[@berkozerman1685]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmPMmpyOrtWSp68

[@yannisconstantinides7767]

If anyone knows where to find the harp part only for Estudiantina, please let me know. I've found only the whole score and piano accompaniment online for purchase, which I have no use for.