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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)

Composer of the Week: Francis Poulenc (1899-1963): Episode 4

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)

Episode 4

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), Episode 4

Donald Macleod introduces Poulenc's musical response to World War Two.

Donald Macleod introduces Poulenc's musical response to World War Two, and a charming musical children's story.

Critics have often criticised Poulenc's response to the horrors of World War Two - relatively wealthy and in possession of a well-appointed country house, after his national service he was able to largely escape the traumas of the conflict and continue his social life. Yet the war did affect him deeply musically.
Donald Macleod introduces four very different wartime compositions: a plangent motet, a furious violin sonata, a sneaky act of musical resistance aimed at ignorant German soldiers in the audience at the Paris Opera...and perhaps Poulenc's most charming and characteristic work: his setting of Jean de Brunhoff's "Babar The Elephant" for narrator and orchestra.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod explores Francis Poulenc's unique musical voice

Donald Macleod explores Francis Poulenc's unique musical voice - and sometimes troublesome character - showcasing a blend of much-loved favourites and rare works

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Composer of the Week

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)

Episode 4

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