Composer of the Week: Saint-Saens

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

Composer of the Week - Brand

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

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

Composer of the Week: Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921): The Man about Town

The Man about Town

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), The Man about Town

Donald Macleod examines how Saint-Saëns became a star of the Parisian social scene.

Donald Macleod examines how Camille Saint-Saëns became a star of the Parisian social scene, heralded as 'a genius of indescribable splendour'.

Donald Macleod examines how Saint-Saëns became a star of the Parisian social scene.

Camille Saint-Saëns once said, “I produce music as an apple tree produces apples.” In his day, that fruit was gobbled up all across Europe where the composer was acclaimed as the greatest of all French musicians. Liszt called him the greatest organist in the world. Yet in France, and in his home city of Paris, he was not always so highly regarded, despite his strong bond with his homeland. Throughout this week, as we mark the centenary of his death, Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Saint-Saëns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced.

In Tuesday’s episode, Donald examines how Saint-Saëns became a musical celebrity in Paris, aided by his performing skills, which led to him being heralded as “a genius of indescribable splendour”.

Fantaisie in D-flat major, Op 101
Ben van Oosten (Cavaille Coll organ, Ste. Madeleine, Paris)

Tarantella in A minor, Op 6
Hexagon
		
The Carnival of the Animals – Aquarium, The Swan, Finale
London Symphony Orchestra
Barry Wordsworth (conductor)
		
Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor, Op 22
Stephen Hough (piano)
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips

Composer of the Week: Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

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 assesses the life and work of one of France's greatest musicians.

Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Saint-Saëns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced.

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