It takes a village
Donald Macleod explores how Camille Saint‑Saëns’s musical interests took hold in childhood, shaped by whistling kettles, brassy orchestras, and at his beloved piano.
Donald Macleod explores Saint‑Saëns's childhood in Paris, discovering the piano one note at a time and finding music in the quiet corners of daily life. Today, he follows the young composer through the early encouragements, concertgoing, and first encounters with the wider musical world that start to steer his ambitions. It’s the beginning of a journey that quickly gathers pace, from a curious boy at the keyboard to a teenager finding his footing as both performer and creator.
Danse macabre, Op. 40
Michael Matthes, organ
Lyon National Orchestra
Emmanuel Krivine, conductor
Calme des nuits (Deux Chœurs, Op. 68 No. 1)
Radio Svizzera Choir
Diego Fasolis, conductor
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75 – I. Allegro agitato – Adagio
Fanny Clamagirand, violin
Vanya Cohen, piano
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75 – I. Allegro agitato – Adagio
Fanny Clamagirand, violin
Vanya Cohen, piano
Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12 – Movements 1-4
Britt‑Marie Aruhn, soprano
Erland Hagegård, tenor
Ulf Lundmark, bass
The Mikaeli Chamber Choir
Royal Opera Orchestra
Anders Eby, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West
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- Mon 27 Apr 202616:00BBC Radio 3
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