大象传媒

Donald Macleod examines how Saint-Sa毛ns became a star of the Parisian social scene.

Camille Saint-Sa毛ns once said, 鈥淚 produce music as an apple tree produces apples.鈥� 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-Sa毛ns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced.

In Tuesday鈥檚 episode, Donald examines how Saint-Sa毛ns became a musical celebrity in Paris, aided by his performing skills, which led to him being heralded as 鈥渁 genius of indescribable splendour鈥�.

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 鈥� 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