大象传媒

Donald Macleod explores how death affected Saint-Sa毛ns and influenced his relationship with his homeland.

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. Saint-Sa毛ns was well acquainted with death, having lost his father when he was only weeks old.

In Wednesday鈥檚 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 鈥� Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei
Marie-Paule Dotti (soprano)
Guillemette Laurens (mezzo-soprano)
Luca Lombardo (tenor)
Nicolas Test茅 (bass)
Coro della Radio Svizzera, Lugano
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
Diego Fasolis (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips