Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez was inspired by the magisterial gardens built by Spain’s King Phillip II (1527-1598) at the titular Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Taking us back through time and place, the Concierto invites us to experience, in Rodrigo’s words, ‘the fragrance of magnolias, the singing of birds, and the gushing of fountains’ in the palace gardens. The work combines classical and folk traditions with tenderness, soulfulness, and brilliance, moving from rhythmic vitality in the introduction to bittersweet song in the alluring second movement. Premiered in 1939 at the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, the Concierto was an instant success and established Rodrigo as one of the seminal Spanish composers of the twentieth century. In this performance on MSO.LIVE, star soloist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas joins forces with the MSO’s Spanish-born Chief Conductor, Jaime Martín, to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Rodrigo's masterpiece.