Rodrigo: Complete Orchestral Works Volume 5

“As with Russians, it takes Spaniards to play Spanish music properly, and the Asturias Symphony rises eloquently to the task, filling the most urban sitting-room with those sweeping Spanish vistas.”

2010

“The Concierto madrigal is, like the Fantasía paraun gentilhombre, a tribute to times past though, since the first movement briefly tugs a forelock to Monteverdi, and the madrigal O felici occhimiei plays a key role, it isn't an exclusively Spanish one. It's a fascinating work, with ten movements full of diversity and maybe the one of the 'family' that deserves a place on that distant desert island. As with the Concierto para unafiesta, this is a recording that can hold its own with any of its rivals – finely played with good sound from all concerned, excellently balanced and faithfully recorded.The Concierto para unafiesta was commissioned by a wealthy Texan as a present for the coming-out party of his daughters, admirers of Pepe Romero. He and the composer were reported at the time to be chuckling at the thought of listening (in Heaven) to others struggling to play it. Time passes, however, and there are now several good recordings of the work by others, of whom Ricardo Gallén is now one. Technical skills have been steadily on a rising curve for decades and, whether or not the curve is asymptotic, its highest point has yet to be attained indefinitely by one single guitarist.
Around every corner there may be an equally fast or even faster 'gun'. It isn't the most riveting of Rodrigo's concertos for solo guitar, but it's notable for its slow movement, a clear souvenir of that of the Concierto de Aranjuez, and Gallén's performance certainly does it justice.”