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In a city torn apart by war, an enemy soldier shatters Joseph Haydn’s isolation - and quells his loneliness. David Suchet narrates a moment of unexpected beauty amidst the decay.

Joseph Haydn lived through war, sorrow, and the disappearance of his dear friends. But it wasn’t until the elderly composer’s piano was taken away that he faced his darkest hour. David Suchet narrates the poignant and unexpected moment of connection and joy that arrived at Haydn’s door, in the form of a French solider from Napoleon’s invading army. Across generations and enemy lines, Haydn’s music transcended all differences to allow two men to share pure joy on the eve of both their deaths.

In Facing The Music, we experience the human drama behind some of the most extraordinary classical music ever written - told by legendary figures of stage and screen including Michael Sheen, Dominic West, Nina Sosanya, Kit Harington and Adeel Akhtar. Ten episodes explore the human frailties, obsessions, emotions and vulnerabilities we all experience - and the composers who confronted them: to create extraordinary music that would stand the test of time. In each episode we hear from creatives, psychologists and other experts to understand what we can all learn from their hopes, their struggles and their music.

This episode is narrated by Sir David Suchet and features contributions from Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford, and Richard Holloway, writer and former Bishop of Edinburgh (92 years young). The programme is written and produced by Leonie Thomas.

Facing The Music is an Overcoat Media production for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sounds and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 3
The series is written and produced by Hannah Dean, Leonie Thomas, Gareth Ceredig, Katie Hill and Barney Rowntree – with additional production from Melvin Rickarby
Original Music: Peter Gregson
Sound Design and Mixing: Mike Woolley, with additional mixing by John Scott
Executive Producer: Steven Rajam
Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine