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Tower of Babel

Composer of the Week Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)
Episode 2 of 5

Rodrigo makes a pilgrimage to Paris.

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 follows Rodrigo from Valencia to Paris, where he joins the melting pot of Paul Dukas' composition class - and meets an enchanting young piano teacher...

Zarabanda Lejana
Manuel Barrueco, guitar

Pastorale
Artur Pizarro, piano

2 Berceuses
Artur Pizarro, piano

Bagatela
Artur Pizarro, piano

Preludio de anoranza
Artur Pizarro, piano

Suite pour piano
Gregory Allen, piano

Preludio para un poema a la Alhambra
Castile and Leon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Max Bragado-Darman

5 piezas infantiles
Jose Meliton and Elena Martin, piano

Produced by Alice McKee for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio

59 minutes

Last on

Tue 23 Sep 2025 16:00
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3

More episodes

Previous

Shadow worldJoaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)

Next

Sacred fireJoaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)

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Music Played

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Zarabanda Lejana

    Performer: Manuel Barrueco.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 2435561755.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 8.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Pastorale

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS : 8.-557272.
    • Naxos.
    • 6.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Berceuse de primavera

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS : 8.-557272.
    • Naxos.
    • 8.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Berceuse de otono

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS : 8.-557272.
    • Naxos.
    • 9.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Estampas Andaluzas (No 1, El vendedor de chanquetes)

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS : 8.-557272.
    • Naxos.
    • 11.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Bagatela

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS : 8.-557272.
    • Naxos.
    • 10.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Preludio de anoranza

    Performer: Artur Pizarro.
    • NAXOS.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Suite for piano

    Performer: Gregory Allen.
    • BRIDGE : BCD-9027 A/B.
    • BRIDGE.
    • 1.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Preludio para un poema a la Alhambra

    Orchestra: Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León. Conductor: Max Bragado-Darman.
    • NAXOS : 8.557101.
    • NAXOS.
    • 5.

  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    5 piezas infantiles

    Performer: Jose Meliton. Performer: Elena Martin.
    • CENTAUR : CRC-2460.
    • CENTAUR.
    • 12.

Broadcast

  • Tue 23 Sep 2025 16:00
    ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3

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