Rodrigo, Joaquín

Rodrigo, Joaquín, 1902–99, Spanish composer, b. Sagunto, Valencia. He lost his sight as a child and wrote his music in Braille. After his musical talent was recognized, Rodrigo studied in Paris with Paul Dukas. He returned to Spain in 1939 and became famous for his Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra (1940), one of his many concertos designed for that pairing. His works for multiple guitars include Concierto Madrigal (1968) and Concierto Andaluz (1977). Rodrigo also wrote pieces for piano and for orchestra as well as concertos for flute, violin, and cello. The majority of his large body of music has a specifically Spanish flavor and is imbued with a serenely melodic style.

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Rodrigo, Joaquín

(born Nov. 22, 1901, Sagunto, Spain—died July 6, 1999, Madrid) Spanish composer. Rodrigo, who was blind from age three, studied music from an early age. Best known for his music for the guitar, especially his highly successful Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra (1939), Rodrigo also wrote concertos for other instruments, a ballet, an opera, and some 60 songs.