Shadow world
Donald Macleod explores the life of Spanish composer JoaquÃn Rodrigo, who lost his eyesight at just three years old.
The Spanish composer JoaquÃn Rodrigo is responsible for one of the most instantly recognisable works for classical guitar - if not one of the most famous pieces of classical music full stop. But when he was just three years old and a bout of diptheria left him almost completely blind, a future in composition seemed out of the question. How did he become one of Spain's most revered musical minds?
In this programme, Donald Macleod follows Rodrigo's early years. Thanks to his teachers, who believe learning composition could help the blind, and a very dedicated aid in Rafael Ibáñez, Rodrigo quickly finds his calling.
Concierto de Aranjuez
Pepe Romero, guitar
Christine Pendrill, horn
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner
2 Esbozos
Eva León, violin
Olga Vinokur, piano
Rumaniana
Eva León, violin
Olga Vinokur, piano
3 Evocaciones
Gregory Allen, piano
5 Sonatas de Castilla con toccata a modo de pregón
Gregory Allen, piano
Juglares
Castile and Leon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Max Bragado-Darman
Produced by Alice McKee for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio
On radio
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Broadcast
- Mon 22 Sep 2025 16:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
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