Writings on Music

Raymond Calcraft, MA 1961 (Translator)

Joaquín Rodrigo, Spain’s leading composer of the second half of the twentieth century, was also a writer of considerable distinction. As well as his 170 compositions, which include the world-famous Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra, he published articles on music and a large number of critical reviews throughout his life. This volume makes available a generous selection of these writings to English-speaking readers throughout the world.

The collection deals with many aspects of the history of music, and discusses the works of a number of major composers, from Bach and Mozart to Verdi and Puccini, as well those of contemporaries. Containing important articles on the history of music in Spain, the book is also an invaluable guide to an understanding and appreciation of Rodrigo’s own works.

The composer’s style of writing is incisive, eloquent, poetic, and at times delightfully humorous. Given the world-wide fame and popularity of his music, the availability in English of a large number of Joaquín Rodrigo’s writings on music will be of great interest to musicians, music critics, and music lovers alike.

ISBN: 9781032030050