For musicians, this movement is a rite of passage. It requires not just technical control of tremolo and arpeggio , but profound emotional maturity.

The movement begins with a mesmerizing B minor chord. The guitar strums a rhythmic pattern that establishes a somber, almost hypnotic pulse. This is not a virtuoso display of speed, but rather a masterclass in tone control and rhythmic steadiness. The guitarist must maintain a consistent "compás" (rhythmic cycle) while the orchestra weaves melancholic melodies above.

For decades, many believed the somber tone of the 2nd movement was a response to the devastating bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. However, Rodrigo's wife, Victoria Kamhi, later revealed a more intimate and heartbreaking inspiration: the movement was a musical prayer following a miscarriage she suffered and the subsequent danger to her own life.

Rodrigo wrote this concerto following the Spanish Civil War and during the tragic illness of his wife, Victoria Kamhi. The 2nd movement is a dialogue between sorrow and hope. Structurally, it follows a three-part form (A-B-A), but the magic lies in the orchestration:

The official publisher, , sells the digital edition. For roughly $15–$20 USD, you can purchase a legal Concierto de Aranjuez 2nd movement PDF directly from their website.