José María Gallardo del Rey shares anecdotes about the creation and history of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. He recounts how, in 1938, following a lunch in San Sebastián with Regino Sainz de la Maza and the Marquis of Bolarque, the idea to compose this iconic work was born. Rodrigo, with his characteristic humor, recalled how the commission came about while they were enjoying a good wine.

Gallardo also mentions Sainz de la Maza’s concerns about the guitar’s audibility within the orchestra—a topic that caused some anxiety during their journey to Barcelona for the 1940 premiere. Throughout his own career, Gallardo has had the opportunity to perform the concerto in various settings, highlighting a memorable event in the Gardens of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez in 2001, where he played alongside other renowned guitarists and received a standing ovation.

Finally, he recalls a tour through Asia in 2002, where the Concierto de Aranjuez passed a censorship board while another piece was rejected. This episode underscores the guitar’s universality and its powerful impact on classical music.