Next week’s BBC Radio 3 ‘Composer of the Week’ is Hélène de Montgeroult, and the broadcasts will feature recordings made specially for the programme by pianist Hiroaki Takenouchi.
Hélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836) was a French pianist and composer, appointed in 1795 as the Paris Conservatoire’s first ever female professor. Shortly before this, having been imprisoned during the French Revolution due to her aristocratic background, she was famously able to win her freedom after performing an improvised set of piano variations on La Marseillaise.
Hiroaki comments:
It was immensely enjoyable to learn and play these fantastic sonatas brimming with the palpable sense that she could barely contain her creative energy writing them. Please tune in and get to know these gems for yourself!
Monday’s episode (11th July, 12:00) focuses on Montgeroult’s early years, and will feature Hiroaki’s recording of the first movement from her Sonata in D major, Op. 5/1. For more about this episode, and to listen again after broadcast, please click here.
Tuesday’s episode (12th July, 12:00) investigates how Montgeroult was thrown into danger during the Reign of Terror, and will include Hiroaki’s recording of her Sonata in F minor, Op. 1/3. For more about this episode, and to listen again after broadcast, please click here.
Wednesday’s episode (13th July, 12:00) describes how Montgeroult used her musical skills to escape the guillotine, and will feature the remainder of Hiroaki’s recording of her Sonata in D major, Op. 5/1 (movements 2-4, following on from movement 1 on Monday). For more about this episode, and to listen again after broadcast, please click here.
Listen to the programme live on air 12:00-13:00 every day Monday-Friday next week to find out all about the remarkable life and work Hélène de Montgeroult and hear Hiroaki’s recordings in context.