Camille Saint-Saëns

Donald Macleod delves into the character and music of Camille
Saint-Saëns


This week’s episode begins with a look at Saint-Saëns the
innovator, who introduced new-fangled ideas to an opera-loving
Parisian public. Donald investigates the driving force behind the
composer’s unstoppable ambition and his dogged determination to
find an audience for his music. Next, the playful side of
Saint-Saëns’ character - one which he kept under wraps in public,
yet amongst friends and in private correspondence he sparkled
with wit, and it reveals itself in some of his most popular and
enduring music. We hear about the many obstacles Saint-Saëns
encountered in his attempts to be recognised as a serious
operatic composer, and finally, the composer’s critical views on
emerging musical trends in the final decades of his life, when he
was condemned as a reactionary for his outmoded attitudes.


Music featured: Guitares et mandolines Havanaise Piano Trio No 1
in F, Op 18 (1st mvt) Piano Concerto No 2 Danse Macabre
Tarantelle Piano Quintet in A minor Op 14 (final mvt) Cello
Concerto No 1 Septet La Cigale et la Fourmi Wedding Cake Waltz La
Coccinelle Suzette et Suzon Tournoiement ‘Songe d’opium’ Six
Studies for the Left Hand, Op 135 (Nos 4, 5 & 6) Le Carnaval
des Animaux La Princesse Jaune: Overture O Cruel Souvenir (Henry
VIII) Samson et Dalila: Act II (excerpt) Bacchanale (Samson et
Dalila) Proserpine: Act II (excerpt) L’Assassinat du Duc de Guise
(5th tableau) Fantaisie for violin and harp Piano Concerto No 5
(1st mvt) Romance for flute and piano Organ Symphony (2nd mvt)


Presenter: Donald Macleod Producer: Deborah Preston for BBC Wales


For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details,
and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after
broadcast) head to the series page for Camille Saint-Saëns:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001d2q


And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve
featured on Composer of the Week here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z