Hand in Hand with Joaquín Rodrigo: My Life at the Maestro's Side

Prologue by Pedro Rocamora.

Composer Joaquín Rodrigo's music is a homage to the rich and varied cultures of Spain. His unique creations draw from influences that range from the ancient Roman conquerors of Iberia to modern Spanish poets and writers. Since 1933 the blind composer has been assisted and inspired by his talented wife, pianist Victoria Kamhi, his most important collaborator and his life's partner.

"Hand in Hand with Joaquín Rodrigo" is the story of a loving marriage and a professional struggle that led to international acclaim. After the years of exile and deprivation during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, Rodrigo's work began to gain attention and praise from the musical world. Active as critic and academic, Rodrigo has also received commissions from some of the most distinguished soloists of our era.

Victoria Kamhi de Rodrigo, an excellent pianist and pupil of Lalewicz, Lévy and Viñes, has served as her husband's copyist, adaptor and co-creator.

CONTENIDO:

Prologue

Part I
I. A happy childhood
II. My studies
III. My life changes
IV. The "Preludio al gallo mañanero"
V. Love and marriage

Part II
VI. Years of struggle
VII. The "Concierto de Aranjuez"

Part III
VIII. On the road to fame
IX. Professional tours
X. Premières and tributes
XI. The Mexican adventure
XII. The last journeys

Epilogue

Appendix
-Letters to Victoria
-Letters to Joaquín Rodrigo
-Notes on the works of Joaquín Rodrigo
-Rodrigo and his music, by Spanish writer Gerardo Diego
-Catalogue and index of works by Joaquín Rodrigo
-Honors awarded to Joaquín Rodrigo
-Honors awarded to Victoria Kamhi