Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)

Donald Macleod explores Chopin and his relationship with novelist George Sand, from their first meetings to their fractious end.

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.

Music Featured:

Impromptu No 1 in A-flat major, Op 29 Piano Concerto No 2 in F minor, Op 21 (1st mvt) Ballade No 1 in G minor, Op 23 Nocturne, Op 37, No 12 Preludes, Op 28, No 2 Ballade no 2 in F major, Op 38 Polonaise in C minor, Op 40, No 2 Minute Waltz, Op 64, No 1 Nocturne in C minor, Op 48, No 1 Sonata No 3 in B minor, Op 58 (1st mvt) Ballade No 3 in A flat major, Op 47 Wiosna (Spring), Op 74, No 2 Mazurka No 51 in F minor, Op 68, No 4 Cello Sonata in G minor, Op 65 (2nd mvt) Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op 60 Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor, Op 11 (2nd mvt) Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op 64, No 2

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam Phillips

For full track listings, 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 Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fdx8

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