Christopher Rouse (Concerto de Gaudí for Guitar and Orchestra)

The music of Christopher Rouse, his orchestral works in particular, can be heard in concert halls being performed by major orchestras all across the United States as well as abroad. In assessing his own work, he recognizes a regular tension between and blending of the musical worlds of rock music and the concert traditions of Western classical music. His Concerto de Gaudí was written for the virtuoso guitarist Sharon Isbin in 1999. The conception of the music was inspired by the famous Catalan architecht Antoni Gaudí. Rouse states the music wasn't meant to be a description of the structures themselves, though the Cathedral Sagrada Família was central to its inspiration. Rather, an interest in the impressions and "spirit" behind the grand building was the starting point for his own similar experiences in composing the concerto. It's a rich work with all the flamenco one would expect as well as a healthy dose of dreamy orchestral sections and scintillating displays of guitar technique. Performed by Sharon Isbin (guitar) and the Gulbenkian Orchestra Conducted by Muhai Tang Purchase the recording, which also includes Tan Dun's fascinating guitar concerto, here: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Isbin-Ro...