Donald Macleod explores Chopin and his relationship with novelist George Sand, from their first meetings to their fractious end. Early in 1837, Franz Liszt introduced Chopin to a woman who would have a profound influence on his life. Her name was George Sand and Chopin’s relationship with the novelist would go on to stretch for almost a decade and prove to be the longest romantic bond of the composer’s life, and a defining creative relationship for both of them. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores the intertwined lives of these two key figures in French romantic-era life.Music Featured: Impromptu No 1 in A-flat major, Op 29Piano Concerto No 2 in F minor, Op 21 (1st mvt)Ballade No 1 in G minor, Op 23Nocturne, Op 37, No 12Preludes, Op 28, No 2Ballade no 2 in F major, Op 38Polonaise in C minor, Op 40, No 2Minute Waltz, Op 64, No 1Nocturne in C minor, Op 48, No 1Sonata No 3 in B minor, Op 58 (1st mvt) Ballade No 3 in A flat major, Op 47Wiosna (Spring), Op 74, No 2Mazurka No 51 in F minor, Op 68, No 4Cello Sonata in G minor, Op 65 (2nd mvt) Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op 60Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor, Op 11 (2nd mvt)Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op 64, No 2 Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam PhillipsFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fdx8 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z