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The Impossible Dream

Episode 3 of 5

Lesley Garrett and Yachtsman of the Year Geoff Holt reflect on the impact of the song, 'The Impossible Dream'. From March 2011.

鈥楾he Impossible Dream' is a song that talks of the resilience of the human spirit.

It tells the story of a quest and it's had a surprising journey of its own.

It was originally composed for the 1965 musical The Man of La Mancha which was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes story of Don Quixote. The music was written by Mitch Leigh and the lyrics by Joe Darion.

Now in his 80s, Leigh explains how his first writing partner was WH Auden and talks about why this particular piece struck a chord with African American friends at that time.

Generations on, international Soprano Lesley Garrett recalls how this song inspired her childhood dreams in Doncaster.

Yachtsman of the Year Geoff Holt talks about how this song carried him across the Atlantic on one of the most important voyages of his life.

Plus, former advertising executive Rob Chew explains how this piece is helping him face life鈥檚 biggest challenge.

Contributors:

Geoff Holt
Rob Chew
Mitch Leigh
Stuart Pedlar
Lesley Garrett

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Nicola Humphries

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in March 2011.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 27 Jul 2024 00:00

Music Played

  • Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine

    The Impossible Dream

    • The Impossible Dream/Bring on the Girls.
    • Chrysalis Records Ltd.
  • Curzon Strings

    The Impossible Dream

    • The Curzon Strings Volume 4.
    • Major Minor Records Limited.
  • Lesley Garrett & 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra

    The Impossible Dream

    • Our Favourite Soprano.
    • 大象传媒 Music.
  • The Moonlight Moods Orchestra

    The Impossible Dream

    • Reflections.
    • Pickwick International Inc.
  • Richard Kiley

    The Impossible Dream (The Quest)

    • The Best of Broadway.
    • Rhino/Wea.
  • Diana Ross & The Temptations

    The Impossible Dream

    • Join The Temptations.
    • Motown.
  • Tom Jones

    The Impossible Dream

    • Close Up/Tom CD.
    • Vocalion.
  • Andy Williams - The Impossible Dream

Broadcasts

  • Tue 15 Mar 2011 13:30
  • Sat 19 Mar 2011 15:30
  • Fri 4 Nov 2016 18:30
  • Sat 5 Nov 2016 00:30
  • Tue 27 Apr 2021 18:30
  • Wed 28 Apr 2021 00:30
  • Fri 26 Jul 2024 10:00
  • Fri 26 Jul 2024 16:00
  • Sat 27 Jul 2024 00:00

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