The Chopin Experience - 17/05/2008

Rob Cowan presents a special programme celebrating the life and work of Fryderyk Chopin, featuring discussion as well as live and recorded music. With performances from pianists Tamas Vasary, Idil Biret and Stephen Kovacevich as well as discussion on some of the key issues relating to the Polish composer. Discussing important themes of nationalism and romanticism, are critic and commentator Dermot Clinch, and direct from Warsaw Polish historian and Chopin biographer Adam Zamoyski. There are also recordings from noted Chopin interpreters Vladimir Ashkenazy, Fou Ts'ong and Piotr Anderszewski, as well as Erica Worth, editor of The Pianist magazine, on how for the amateur there is much to learn and love about Chopin. Plus David Bamber reading from Chopin's letters and journals. Including: Polonaise in A flat for piano, Op 53 (Eroica) Vladimir Horowitz (piano) Piano Sonata No 3, Op 58 Alfred Cortot (piano) Piano Concerto No 1, Op 11 Krystian Zimerman (piano) Scherzo No 2, Op 31 Artur Rubenstein (piano).