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Rodrigo finally finds fame.

The Spanish composer Joaquín 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 sees the Guitar Concerto transform Rodrigo’s career, with the composer finally finding recognition in Spain and far beyond.

Fantasia para un Gentilhombre: I. Villano y Ricercare
Pepe Romero, guitar
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

Concierto de estio: Siciliana: Andantino
Mikhail Ovrutsky, violin
Castile and Leon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Max Darman Bragado

Invocacion y danza
Miloš Karadaglić, guitar

Ausencias de Dulcinea
José Antonio López, baritone
Lilian Moriani, soprano
Victoria Marchante, soprano
Celia Alcedo, soprano
María José Suárez, mezzo-soprano
Víctor Arriola, violín
Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid, conducted by José Ramón Encinar

Concierto para una fiesta: Andante calmo
Pepe Romero, guitar
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

Produced by Alice McKee for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Fri 26 Sep 2025 16:00

Broadcast

  • Fri 26 Sep 2025 16:00

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