The Chopin Experience - 18/05/2008

Presented by Sarah Walker. With Russian-born pianist Nikolai Demidenko in conversation, and he features in an all-Chopin recital given in 2008 at London's Wigmore Hall. Chopin: Barcarolle in F sharp, Op 60; Piano Sonata No 3 in B minor, Op 58; 24 Preludes, Op 28 Sarah visits the Mediterranean island of Majorca to try to unravel some of the legends that have grown up around Chopin's ill-fated winter holiday there in 1838-39 with his new lover, the famous French novelist George Sand. Featuring music he composed during his stay - including some of the Preludes and the Mazurka in E minor, Op 41, No 2. Plus Sarah presents Chopin's Piano Concerto No 2, in F minor, Op 21, performed by Martha Argerich. And The Chopin Moment: If you play the piano, now is the time to join with Sarah and listeners around the country and play some Chopin - whether at home, in the pub or even in the street!