As part of the Proms season of French music, tonight's concert commemorates the anniversaries of Poulenc's birth and Chausson's death. Both composers were influenced by Saint-Saens, and his popular Organ Symphony is preceded tonight by solo organ music on the glorious Royal Albert Hall organ.

Paul Crossley (piano), Amanda Roocroft (soprano), Simon Preston (organ), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conductor David Atherton

Poulenc Aubade

Chausson Poeme de l'Amour et de la Mer, Op 19

8.25 1999 marks the centenary of the death of Aristide Cavaille-Coll, the most successful and influential organ maker of the 19th century. His instruments inspired composers such as Franck, Saint-Saens and Widor to a new symphonic style of composition, while his prowess as a performer scaled new heights.
Richard Langham Smith travels to France to discover something of the legacy of one of the greatest organ builders.

8.45 Widor Symphony No 5 for Organ (1st mvt)

Saint-Saens Symphony No 3 in C minor (Organ Symphony)

(Repeated Friday 2pm)