National Symphony Orchestra, Aranjuez Guitar Concerto Performance... Collaboration with Karadaglich

On February 2nd at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall

The National Symphony Orchestra announced on the 18th that it will hold a performance of 'Rodrigo, Concierto de Aranjuez' on February 2nd at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall.

Spanish dances and songs have sparked the curiosity of many composers. This performance features music inspired by Spain, showcasing the revival of traditional Spanish rhythms and sounds dreamed of by Chabrier and Rodrigo, as well as the exploration of diverse instrumental timbres by Debussy and Ravel.

The first piece is "Espa?a," a string composition by Chabrier, a native Frenchman, written after his trip to Spain, capturing the exotic atmosphere he encountered there. In this piece, Chabrier transformed simple melodies and rhythmic elements into a rich palette of colors, greatly inspiring the next generation of composers such as Debussy and Ravel. Later, Gustav Mahler described this work as "the beginning of modernity."

Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez," where classical guitar meets orchestra, is especially famous for its second movement, Adagio, which was used as the theme music for the past KBS Saturday Classic program.

Guitarist Milos Karadaglic [Photo by National Symphony Orchestra]

Montenegro-born guitarist Milo? Karadagli? will perform as a soloist. Karadagli? topped the UK classical album charts with his debut album Mediterraneo, released in 2011 under the Deutsche Grammophon label, and was named one of the "Six Greatest Classical Guitarists of the Last Century" by BBC Music Magazine. This is his first collaboration with a domestic orchestra.

In the second half, the audience will encounter Spanish traditions that inspired Impressionist composers Debussy and Ravel. First to be performed is Debussy's "Images for Orchestra," featuring "Iberia," which incorporates Spanish folk rhythms and melodies. The piece is characterized by the rhythms of Sevillian dances played on castanets and tambourines, along with humorous performances by woodwind and brass instruments. The original work is a suite of three pieces, including the first piece "Jig" and the third piece "Rondo of Spring," but the second piece "Iberia" is often excerpted and performed.

The performance will conclude with Ravel's "Bol?ro." Bol?ro is a Spanish folk dance danced to the accompaniment of castanets. Ravel's Bol?ro is notable for its delicate ensemble and the distinctive use of instruments such as the saxophone and English horn.