(Ataulfo Argenta - milestone recordings - desert island discs - a career way too short)

Since Spain won their very first World Cup today, as part of the celebration I thought I would toss in this first recording of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto Aranjuez as performed by it's dedicatee Regino Sainz de la Maza, guitar and the Orquesta Nacional de Espana conducted by the legendary Ataulfo Argenta. Argenta was the bright light on the conducting scene in the late 1940's and early 1950's. He was very popular on the concert stage and recording studio and his early death in 1958 robbed the music world of an incredible talent, but he left a rich legacy and many of his recordings are considered definitive even today. This particular recording was something of a first. The guitarist, Regino Sainz de la Maza performed the world premier in 1940 and the concerto is dedicated to him. This recording, issued only in Spain, was the first of this work and has been re-recorded many times since. I am not sure if this particular recording has been reissued. If it hasn't it needs to be.

In any event, here it is.

(A taste of Tull tonight - live)

A change of pace tonight and for the coming week. Nights At The Roundtable will be devoted to live concerts (in addition to our regular Backstage Weekend series) in celebration of our Fundraiser (hint-hint).

Tonight it's Jethro Tull, Live at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1984.

So check it out, play it loud and empty the change purse: