The Impossible Dream

‘The 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’s 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 BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.