This is one of the last of the over 170 works composed by Joaqu'n Rodrigo (b., 1901) before he retired in the mid-1980s. Among them are many entertaining concertos, including the guitar concerto Concierto de Aranjuez. This piece, whose title means Drumsticks and tambourines, is for chamber orchestra and was written on commission for the City Council of Madrid. Rodrigo did not always use Spanish musical styles in his music, but when he did he was seemingly at his tuneful best. This is such a work, based on several popular Spanish styles. The title mean "The meadow by the River Manzanares," "Pastoral," and "Festive Morning." It is one of the most attractive, refreshing and carefree little suites (about thirteen minutes long) by this popular composer.

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