El Cid was the name of the legendary knight and folk hero Rodrigo D az de Vivar Cameador, the man who never lost a duel. After a typically Spanish opening, a slower section follows in which the composer makes reference to Albinoni’s Adagio and to the slow movement from Joaqu n Rodrigo’s Concierto d’Aranjuez. The music is whipped up with Spanish passion at the close, and castanets are a must!