Devotion to the Dramatic
Donald Macleod explores Bizet's later life, when he still remained steadfast in his commitment to writing for the stage.
Donald Macleod continues his look at the life and work of Georges Bizet. The composer suffered from ill health all his life - a condition not helped by a string of critical failures. It propelled Bizet to search for some philosophy or faith which would sustain him. And he seemed to find it, writing to a friend: "an extraordinary change is taking place in me. I am changing my skin, both as an artist and as a man." Despite these changes, Bizet remained steadfast in his commitment to writing for the stage throughout his life. In this programme we hear a Russian take on Carmen and we meet the beguiling girl from Arles, L'Arlesienne.
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Music Played
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Georges Bizet
Pastorale for voice and piano
Performer: Ann MURRAY - Mezzo-soprano Performer: Graham JOHNSON - Piano
- Hyperion.
- CDA66976.
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Georges Bizet
Jeux d'enfants - suite Op.22 for piano duet
Performer: Katia LABEQUE - Piano Performer: Marielle LABEQUE - Piano
- Decca.
- 4735822.
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Georges Bizet
L' Arlesienne - suite no. 1
Conductor: Leonard BERNSTEIN Performer: Philharmonic S O Of New York
- CBS.
- MYK 52524.
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Rodion Shchedrin
Carmen - ballet suite for strings and percussion [after BIZET]
Performer: Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Conductor: Gerard Schwarz
- EMI.
- CDC7471982.
Broadcasts
- Thu 15 Mar 201212:00BBC Radio 3
- Thu 15 Mar 201218:30BBC Radio 3
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