It takes a village

Available for 28 days

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