Fantasia para un gentilhombre (Fantasy for a Nobleman)
Junto al Generalife
Invocacion y danza
Tiento antiguo
3 Piezas espanolas (3 Spanish Pieces)
- No. 1. Fandango
- No. 2. Passacaglia
- No. 3. Zapateado
Zarabanda lejana

Spanish composer and pianist Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999) is arguably the most recognized composer of guitar music of the 20th century, credited with writing many fine pieces for solo guitar. But what sets him apart is that he also composed many concertante works for guitar and orchestra which are somewhat of a rarity, along with concertos for many other instruments. His most famous guitar concerto is, of course, the Concierto de Aranjuez from 1939, of which the highly passionate slow movement has become instantly recognizable and unmistakably evocative. Lesser known but for different reasons just as captivating, is the Fantasia para un gentilhombre from 1954. You wouldn't be amiss for thinking that the opening movement in particular sounds like a late Renaissance dance, since it's based on themes by the Spanish baroque composer Caspar Sanz. And this time around, Rodrigo assigned all of the beautiful melodies to the guitar. The slow movement may not be as hot-blooded as its Aranjuez counterpart, but its highly melancholic guitar phrases and variation style construct works very well and leaves an impression.

Canadian-born (Halifax) guitarist Dale Kavanagh lends the Baroque sensibilities of this work a sense of elegance and grace previously unnoticed. And as demonstrated in the Invocacion y danza can impressively bring out multiple voices simultaneously, as well as handle intricate technical demands when required. She has been actively recording for just over 20 years now with most of her fine recordings released on the Hanssler Classic label. Here she is joined by the Arad State Philharmonic Orchestra of Romania, conducted by Horst-Hans Backer.