Composer Of The Week

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Camille Saint-SaënsCamille Saint-Saëns once said “I produce music as an apple tree produces apples.” 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. This week, as we mark the centenary of his death, Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Saint-Saëns, charting the changing relationship with France of one of the greatest musicians that the country has ever produced.Music Featured: Samson and Delilah, Op 47 (Bacchanale) Le Soir Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 14 (III. Presto) Le muse et la poete, Op 132 Piano Trio No 2 in E minor, Op 92 (I. Allegro non troppo) Symphony in F major “Urbs Roma” (II. Molto Vivace) Fantaisie in D-flat major, Op 101 Tarantella in A minor, Op 6 The Carnival of the Animals (Aqua