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Rodrigo returns to his homeland.

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 finds Rodrigo struggling for a source of inspiration and, as life continues to get in the way of music, he is forced to return to his homeland.

Serenata española
Artur Pizarro, piano

Tres Danzas de España
Maria Garzon, piano

Cuatro estampas andaluzas
Artur Pizarro, piano

Sonada de adios (ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½naje a Paul Dukas)
Artur Pizarro, piano

Per la flor del lliri blau
Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra, conducted by Mark Heron

Produced by Alice McKee for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio

Release date:

59 minutes

Broadcast

  • Wed 24 Sep 2025 16:00

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