Flying Solo

Donald Macleod enters the Parisian world of Frederic Chopin. Today, the story of Chopin’s return to the stage in his dramatic final years.

He was the poet of the piano, the master of the exquisite miniature, one of the greatest virtuoso pianists of the Romantic era, a magician at the keyboard... This week, Donald Macleod follows Frederic Chopin’s years in Paris, the epicentre of culture at the time and the stage where most of his all-too-short life was acted out. In the years that Chopin lived there, the 1830s and ’40s, Paris suffered political turmoil and deadly epidemics, whilst drawing artists, writers and musicians from all over the world. Following Chopin’s many house moves, we hear how the young composer made his name among the city’s most prestigious salons, established himself as the go-to teacher in town, and rubbed shoulders with fellow creatives, including a long and stormy relationship with the novelist George Sand.

Today, the newly single Chopin overcomes his feelings of fear and loathing and returns to the concert platform, but before he can capitalise on his success, along comes the February Revolution. He jumps at the opportunity to escape on a tour of England and Scotland – but at the expense of his health…

Waltz in A minor “Found in New York”
Lang Lang, piano

The Messenger, Op 74 No 7
Urszula Kyrger, mezzo
Charles Spencer, piano

Waltz No 4 in F major, Op 34 No 3
Waltz No 7 In C sharp minor, Op 64 No 8
Waltz No 9 in A-flat major, Op 69 No 1 “Farewell”
Alice Sara Ott, piano

Nocturnes, Op 55
Jan Lisiecki, piano

Polonaise Fantasie in A flat major, Op 61
Richard Goode, piano

Cello Sonata in G minor, Op 65 (iii. Largo, iv. Finale Allegro)
Steven Isserlis, cello
Dénes Várjon, piano

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West