Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

An Introduction from Liszt

Donald Macleod examines Liszt’s role in Chopin’s first meetings with novelist George Sand, and explores how their relationship almost led to the composer being killed.

Donald Macleod examines Liszt’s role in Chopin’s first meetings with the novelist George Sand, and explores how their relationship almost led to the composer being killed.

Early in 1837, Franz Liszt introduced Chopin to a woman who would have a profound influence on his life. Her name was George Sand and Chopin’s relationship with the novelist would go on to stretch for almost a decade and prove to be the longest romantic bond of the composer’s life, and a defining creative relationship for both of them. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores the intertwined lives of these two key figures in French romantic-era life.

In Monday’s episode, Donald examines Liszt’s role in Chopin’s first meetings with George Sand. Initially, Chopin was repulsed by the notorious cigar-smoking, trouser-wearing novelist, but the pair eventually formed a romantic relationship which would last for nine years. Donald also explores how the beginning of their relationship sparked an incident which almost led to the composer being killed.

Impromptu No 1 in A flat major, Op.29
Murray Perahia, piano

Piano Concerto no 2 in F minor, Op.21 – I. Moderato
Martha Argerich, piano
Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Charles Dutoit, conductor

6 Polish Songs – Narzecczony (The bridegroom)
Luiza Borac, piano

Ballade No 1 in G minor, Op.23
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano

17 Polish Songs, Op 74: no.5 ‘What She Likes’; no.12 ‘My Darling'
Elzbieta Szmytka, soprano
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Etudes, Op.25 nos 1-6
Jan Lisiecki, piano

Producer: Sam Phillips

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Aug 2024 16:00

Music Played

  • Frédéric Chopin

    Impromptu No 1 in A flat major, Op 29

    Performer: Murray Perahia.
    • SONY SK61885.
    • Sony.
    • 25.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    Piano Concerto No 2 in F minor, Op 21 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Martha Argerich. Orchestra: Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Conductor: Charles Dutoit.
    • Warner Classics 5567982.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 4.
  • Franz Liszt

    The Bridgegroom (Six Polish Songs)

    Performer: Luiza Borac.
    • AVIE : 21-61.
    • AVIE.
    • 3.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    Ballade No 1 in G minor, Op 23

    Performer: Leif Ove Andsnes.
    • Sony : 19075822932.
    • Sony.
    • 1.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    What She Likes (17 Polish Songs, Op 74 No 5)

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Elzbieta Szmytka.
    • Deutche Grammophon : 4630722.
    • Deutche Grammophon.
    • 1.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    My Darling (17 Polish Songs, Op 74 No 12)

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Elzbieta Szmytka.
    • Deutche Grammophon : 4630722.
    • Deutche Grammophon.
    • 1.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    Etudes Op 25 (No 1-6)

    Performer: Jan Lisiecki.
    • Deutche Grammophon : 4791039.
    • Deutche Grammophon.
    • 13.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 28 Nov 2022 12:00
  • Mon 12 Aug 2024 16:00

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.