Educating a Rebel

Carlos Chávez was both a rebel and an educator. Born in a Mexico on the brink of revolution, he would go on to single-handedly revolutionise Mexican music and culture, filling his compositions with indigenous Aztec stories and sounds. Many cite Aaron Copland as an influence on Chávez, but the truth may have been the reverse. While Copland was championing American music in the States, Chávez was fighting for it in Mexico, educating the next generation of Mexican composers. He may have shaped American music more than any other - yet his legacy is little known. Odaline de la Martinez joins Donald Macleod to explore his life and work.

In today's programme, Donald finds a young Chávez, learning piano, as a ruthless regime is wrought outside his window. At first, the European avant-garde captures his imagination but soon he discovers inspiration a little closer to home.

Three Pieces for Guitar
Eduardo Fernandez, guitar

Sexteto para Arcos y Piano: III. Andante & IV. Finale
Cuarteto Carlos Chávez

Los Cuatro Soles
Ambrosian Singers
London Symphony Orchestra
Carlos Chávez, conductor

Chapultepec "Republican Overture"
Royal Philharmonix Orchestra
Enrique Batiz, conductor

Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales and West