Uploaded May 2016 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Here is my performance of Joaquin Rodrigo's Zapateado from Tres Piezas Espanolas.
Program Notes: Joaquin Rodrigo is often referred to as one of the most significant and influential guitar composers of all time. His fame reaches beyond the guitar as his Concierto de Aranjuez, holds up as one of the most important pieces in the history of Spanish music. Though he only wrote 25 pieces for guitar in total, all of his pieces are held in high regard and performed by some of the best guitarists in the world. Zapateado is the third and final movement of a collection known as the Three Spanish Pieces. Many of Rodrigo’s guitar pieces including this one were inspired by and dedicated to the legendary guitarist Andres Segovia. While he wrote for guitar, he did not actually play the instrument, making some aspects of his music even more difficult to play. A zapateado is a style of flamenco dance in Spain that is characterized by fast rhythms and the stomping of the dancers feet much like tap dancing. The name of this dance is derived from the word Zapato meaning shoe in Spanish. The piece instills the essence of traditional dance through its upbeat tempo and dancelike rhythms. The reason I chose to end my recital with this piece lies in the fact that after first hearing this piece performed, I never imagined that I would ever be able to play it. For me it is representative of the fact that I have accomplished more in my college career than I ever believed possible. Even beyond that, it serves as a testament to the fact that with the right amount of time and effort, even the most challenging task can be accomplished.
Here is my performance of Joaquin Rodrigo's Zapateado from Tres Piezas Espanolas.
Program Notes: Joaquin Rodrigo is often referred to as one of the most significant and influential guitar composers of all time. His fame reaches beyond the guitar as his Concierto de Aranjuez, holds up as one of the most important pieces in the history of Spanish music. Though he only wrote 25 pieces for guitar in total, all of his pieces are held in high regard and performed by some of the best guitarists in the world. Zapateado is the third and final movement of a collection known as the Three Spanish Pieces. Many of Rodrigo’s guitar pieces including this one were inspired by and dedicated to the legendary guitarist Andres Segovia. While he wrote for guitar, he did not actually play the instrument, making some aspects of his music even more difficult to play. A zapateado is a style of flamenco dance in Spain that is characterized by fast rhythms and the stomping of the dancers feet much like tap dancing. The name of this dance is derived from the word Zapato meaning shoe in Spanish. The piece instills the essence of traditional dance through its upbeat tempo and dancelike rhythms. The reason I chose to end my recital with this piece lies in the fact that after first hearing this piece performed, I never imagined that I would ever be able to play it. For me it is representative of the fact that I have accomplished more in my college career than I ever believed possible. Even beyond that, it serves as a testament to the fact that with the right amount of time and effort, even the most challenging task can be accomplished.
