Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)

Donald Macleod explores the life of Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo.

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, a bout of diptheria left him almost completely blind, and a future in composition seemed out of the question. How did he become one of Spain's most revered musical minds?

Music featured: Concierto de Aranjuez 2 Esbozos Rumaniana 3 Evocaciones 5 Sonatas de Castilla con toccata a modo de pregón Juglares Zarabanda Lejana Pastorale 2 Berceuses Bagatela Preludio de anoranza Suite pour piano Preludio para un poema a la Alhambra 5 piezas infantiles Serenata española Tres Danzas de España Cuatro estampas andaluzas Sonada de adios (Homenaje a Paul Dukas) Per la flor del lliri blau Cuatros Piezas Cancion Del Cucu Coplas del pastor enamorado En los trigales Tiento antiguo Junto al Generalife Fantasia para un Gentilhombre: I. Villano y Ricercare Concierto de estio: Siciliana: Andantino Invocacion y danza Ausencias de Dulcinea Concierto para una fiesta: Andante calmo

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002jfqx

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z