Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Self-belief | 20181204 | Donald Macleod investigates the driving force behind Saint-Sa뀀ns' unstoppable ambition and his dogged determination to find an audience for his music. Saint-Sa뀀ns couldn't have done it without the support of friends and fellow-musicians and the tough love provided by his mother. Private salons which attracted the social elite and concerts promoted by music societies were important platforms but there was one sure way to get his music out there - and that was to stage his own concerts. Tarantelle William Bennett, flute James Campbell, clarinet Clifford Benson, piano Piano Quintet in A minor Op 14 (final mvt) Members of the Nash Ensemble Cello Concerto No 1 Christine Walevska, cello National Opera Orchestra of Monte-Carlo Eliahu Inbal, conductor Septet Produced by Deborah Preston for BBC Wales Donald Macleod investigates the driving force behind Saint-Saens's unstoppable ambition. | |
| 2018 | Storming The Operatic Battlements | 20181206 | Donald Macleod investigates Saint-Sa뀀ns' determination to fulfil his ultimate ambition to be recognised as an operatic composer. There were plenty of obstacles along the way. His first venture into serious opera failed when the production was shelved due to the bankruptcy of the theatre director. The next had a happier outcome as Liszt agreed to premiere it at his opera house in Weimar, but Saint-Sa뀀ns had to wait 15 years before it received its first performance in Paris. Of the 13 operas Saint-Sa뀀ns composed just one has stood the test of time, though many of them would prove to be hugely successful in his lifetime and contribute to his reputation as a globally successful composer. La Princesse Jaune: Overture Royal Scottish National Orchestra Neeme J䀀rvi, conductor O Cruel Souvenir (Henry VIII) Veronique Gens, soprano Les Talens Lyriques Christophe Rousset, conductor Samson et Dalila: Act II (excerpt) Placido Domingo, tenor (Samson) Waltraud Meier, soprano (Dalila) Orchestra of the Op退ra Bastille Myung-Whun Chung, conductor Bacchanale (Samson et Dalila) Proserpine: Act II (excerpt) Fr退d耀ric Antoun, tenor (Sabatino) Marie-Adeline Henry, soprano (Angiola) Jean Teitgen, bass (Renzo) Andrew Foster-Williams, baritone (Squarocca) Flemish Radio Choir Munich Radio Orchestra Ulf Schirmer, conductor Produced by Deborah Preston for BBC Wales Donald Macleod investigates Saint-Saens's resolve to be accepted as an operatic composer. | |
| 2018 | The French Pioneer | 20181203 | Donald Macleod looks at the innovative ideas Saint-Sa뀀ns introduced to a Parisian public whose tastes were mostly confined to operatic spectacle. He created symphonies and concertos inspired by his passion for the German tradition of classical form, led the way in developing French chamber music, experimented with the exotic sounds he came across on his extensive travels and was the first composer in France to emulate Liszt's symphonic poem. Guitares et mandolines Fran瀀ois le Roux, baritone Graham Johnson, piano Havanaise Kyung Wha Chung, violin Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Charles Dutoit, conductor Piano Trio No 1 in F, Op 18 (1st mvt) Florestan Trio Piano Concerto No 2 Benjamin Grosvenor, piano Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra James Judd, conductor Danse Macabre Orchestre de Paris Daniel Barenboim, conductor Produced by Deborah Preston for BBC Wales Donald Macleod looks at new ideas introduced by the composer to his fellow Parisians. | |
| 2018 | The Man Behind The Music | 20181205 | Donald Macleod looks at the playful side of Saint-Sa뀀ns' character which he kept under wraps in public, yet amongst friends and in private correspondence he sparkled with wit. The face Saint-Sa뀀ns presented to his audiences was rather grim and gave no hint of the mischievous sense of humour which lay beneath yet is dazzlingly revealed in some of his best-loved music most notably his famous zoological suite in which he happily sends up both himself and his fellow-composers. La Cigale et la Fourmi Fran瀀ois le Roux, baritone Graham Johnson, piano Wedding Cake Waltz Stephen Hough, piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Sakari Oramo, conductor La Coccinelle Suzette et Suzon Tournoiement Songe d'opium Six Studies for the Left Hand, Op 135 (Nos 4, 5 & 6) Piers Lane, piano Le Carnaval des Animaux Louis Lortie, piano H退l耀ne Mercier, piano Truls Mørk, cello Alasdair Malloy, glass harmonica Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Neeme J䀀rvi, conductor Produced by Deborah Preston for BBC Wales Donald Macleod looks at the playful side of Saint-Saens's character. | |
| 2018 | The Reactionary | 20181207 | Donald Macleod looks at Saint-Sa뀀ns' critical views on emerging trends in music in the final decades of his life. The man who'd been criticised for his progressive ideas at the beginning of his career was later condemned as a reactionary for his unfashionable opinions. Saint-Sa뀀ns may have been out of step with the times but in the years leading up to his death aged 86 he was feted all over the world and continued to perform for audiences who welcomed him with open arms. L'Assassinat du Duc de Guise (5th tableau) Ensemble Musique Oblique Fantaisie for violin and harp Renaud Capu瀀on, cello Marie-Pierre Langlamet, harp Piano Concerto No 5 (1st mvt) Louis Schwizgebel, piano BBC Symphony Orchestra Martyn Brabbins, conductor Romance for flute and piano Jeffrey Khaner, flute Hugh Sung, piano Organ Symphony (2nd mvt) Olivier Latry, organ Philadelphia Orchestra Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Produced by Deborah Preston for BBC Wales Donald Macleod looks at Saint-Saens's views on emerging trends in music in his later years | |
| 2021 | 01 | Revolution! | 20211213 | Donald Macleod explores Saint-Sa뀀ns's birth in Paris and his childhood as a stunningly gifted musical prodigy. Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns 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-Sa뀀ns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced. In Monday's episode, Donald explores Saint-Sa뀀ns's early life in a city which was rapidly becoming the cultural capital of the world, despite the political volatility that gave rise to two revolutions. Samson and Delilah, Op 47 - Bacchanale New York Philhamonic Leonard Bernstein (conductor) Le Soir Fran瀀oise Masset (soprano) Nicolas Stavy (piano) Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 14 - III. Presto Cristina Ortiz (piano) Fine Arts Quartet Le muse et la poete, Op 132 Joshua Bell (violin) Steven Isserlis (cello) NDR Symphony Orchestra Christoph Eschenbach (conductor) Piano Trio No 2 in E minor, Op 92 - I. Allegro non troppo Renaud Capu瀀on (violin) Edgar Moreau (cello) Bertrand Chamayou (piano) Symphony in F major `Urbs Roma` - II. Molto Vivace Tapiola Sinfonietta Jean-Jacques Kantorow (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips Donald Macleod explores Saint-Sa\u00ebns's early years as a musical prodigy in Paris |
| 2021 | 02 | The Man About Town | 20211214 | Donald Macleod examines how Saint-Sa뀀ns became a star of the Parisian social scene. Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns 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-Sa뀀ns, 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-Sa뀀ns 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 Donald Macleod examines how Saint-Sa\u00ebns became a star of the Parisian social scene. |
| 2021 | 03 | Death In Cadence | 20211215 | Donald Macleod explores how death affected Saint-Sa뀀ns and influenced his relationship with his homeland. Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns 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-Sa뀀ns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced. Saint-Sa뀀ns was well acquainted with death, having lost his father when he was only weeks old. In Wednesday's episode, Donald follows the composer through his military service and his short, tragic and ill-fated marriage. Danse Macabre, Op 40 Luben Yordanoff, violin Orchestra de Paris Daniel Barenboim (conductor) Marche Heroique, Op 34 (2 piano version) Vilija Poskute, Thomas Daukantas (pianos) Phaeton, Op 39 Royal Scottish National Orchestra Neeme Jarvi (conductor) Allegro appasionato in B minor, Op 43 Steven Isserlis (cello) Pascal Devoyon (piano) Le Deluge, Op 45 - Prelude Tapiola Sinfonietta Jean-Jacques Kantorow (conductor) Requiem, Op 54 - Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei Marie-Paule Dotti (soprano) Guillemette Laurens (mezzo-soprano) Luca Lombardo (tenor) Nicolas Test退 (bass) Coro della Radio Svizzera, Lugano Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana Diego Fasolis (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips Donald Macleod explores how death affected Saint-Sa\u00ebns. |
| 2021 | 04 | Nomad | 20211216 | Donald Macleod explores Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns' trips away from France, for concert tours and to recuperate from his ailments. Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns 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-Sa뀀ns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced. Saint-Sa뀀ns was an inveterate traveller. In fact Debussy once said of the composer that he was so addicted to travel that he should abandon music and become an explorer! In Thursday's episode, Donald follows Saint-Sa뀀ns' on his many journeys away from France. We'll meet him on tour, including frequent visits to London, and find him relaxing in Algiers, where he often went to convalesces. Donald also examines the period Saint-Sa뀀ns spent travelling incognito, without any permanent home, suffering from both physical illnesses and fits of depression following the shock of the death of his mother. Reverie Yann Beuron (tenor) Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana Markus Poschner (conductor) Henry VIII - Act 2 `Reine! Je serai reine!` Elina Garan?a (mezzo-soprano) Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana Roberto Abbado (conductor) Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 `Organ Symphony` - Finale Gaston Litaize (organ) Chicago Symphony Orchestra Daniel Barenboim (conductor) Suite Algerienne, Op 60 Frances Travis (conductor) Clarinet Sonata in E flat major, Op. 167 - III. Lento Michael Collins (clarinet) Noriko Ogawa (piano) Ascanio - Act V, Scene 2 - Tableau 7 (excerpt) - `Benvenuto, ton oeuvre est accomplie!`; `O force immense du genie` Eve-Maud Hubeaux (mezzo-soprano) Bernard Richter (tenor) Jean-Francois Lapointe (baritone) Chur et Orchestre de la Haute ɀcole de Musique de Gen耀ve Guillaume Tourniaire (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips Donald Macleod explores Camille Saint-Sa\u00ebns's trips away from France. |
| 2021 | 05 LAST | At Odds | 20211217 | Donald Macleod examines Saint-Sa뀀ns's experiences in France and abroad in the 20th century when he was seen as increasingly conservative and unfashionable. Camille Saint-Sa뀀ns 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-Sa뀀ns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced. In the final episode this week, Donald examines Saint-Sa뀀ns's experiences in his final decades, after he had moved back to Paris following a decade without a home there. In these later years the composer was seen as increasingly out of step with contemporary culture in Paris and, despite his fervent patriotism and worldwide acclaim, it was admitted by a French newspaper in a review that `Parisians had learned to esteem him slowly when already in foreign countries his name resounded among the most famous`. Desir de l'orient V退ronique Gens (soprano) I Giardini Piano Concerto No 5 in F, Op 103 'Egyptian' - III. Molto Allegro Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano) L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande Charles Dutoit (conductor) L'Assassinat du duc de Guise, Op 128 Ensemble Musique Oblique Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op 28 Renaud Capu瀀on (violin) Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen Daniel Harding (conductor) Calme des nuits, Op 68, No 1 Monteverdi Choir John Eliot Gardiner (director) Producer: Sam Phillips Exploring Saint-Sa\u00ebns's experiences in France and abroad in the 20th Century |