The Chopin Experience - 18/05/2008

Rob Cowan and Tom Service conclude The Chopin Experience as they follow Chopin's tour of Britain, taken in the wake of his traumatic break-up with his lover George Sand, and during which he gave his final performances before his death at the age of 39. They explore the psychology of Chopin the man and the mythologising of his story that began even as he lay on his deathbed. At the end of the programme, Tom and Rob look back over the weekend and discuss listeners' reactions and emails. Featuring performances of Chopin's Scherzo No 1, Op 20, Scherzo No 2, Op 31, Scherzo No 3, Op 39 and Scherzo No 4, Op 54, and Miranda Richardson reading extracts from the writtings of George Sand.