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The 19th century was an exciting time for classical musicians. Urban centres across Europe and the New World were expanding rapidly, creating a profitable music circuit for touring performers – particularly if you had the talent and star-power to attract audiences in large numbers! A new breed of performer began to emerge: extraordinary virtuosos whose dazzling abilities made them into international sensations. Liszt, Chopin, Clara Schumann and Paganini are among the names best remembered today but there were many others. This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of four more 19th century ‘showstoppers’ who were equally celebrated in their day, and who also turned their talents to composing.

Music Featured:

Teresa Carreño: Vals gayo
Teresa Carreño: Florence, Cantilène Op.34
Teresa Carreño: Souvenirs de mon pays, Op. 10
Teresa Carreño: Le printemps, Op. 25
Teresa Carreño: String quartet in B minor: I. Allegro, II. Andante
Teresa Carreño: Elégie Op. 22, No. 6, ‘Plaintes au borde d'une tombe’
Teresa Carreño: Little Waltz ‘Mi Teresita’
Elias Parish Alvars: Introduction, Cadenza & Rondo (extract)
Elias Parish Alvars:Grand March Op.67
Elias Parish Alvars: Grand Duo on Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix, Op.65
Elias Parish Alvars: Harp Concerto in E flat Op.98, I. Allegro brillante
Elias Parish Alvars: Grand Study in Imitation of a Mandolin Op.84
Maria Szymanowska: Polonaise in C major
Maria Szymanowska: Prélude No. 18 in E major
Maria Szymanowska: 24 Mazurkas, Nos. 21-24
Maria Szymanowska: Caprice sur la romance de Joconde in E major
Maria Szymanowska: Fantaisie in F major
Maria Szymanowska: Cotillon, ou valse figurée
Maria Szymanowska Nocturne in B flat major
Maria Szymanowska: 18 Dances of Different Genres, Nos. 9-12 & No.18
Joseph Joachim: 3 Stücke, Op.2, No.1, Romanze
Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D major (1st movt cadenza by Joseph Joachim)
Joseph Joachim: Notturno Op.12
Joseph Joachim: Quartettsatz
Joseph Joachim: Violin Concerto No.2 in D minor, Op.11 'A la hongroise': III. Finale alla Zingara: Allegro con spirito

Presented by Donald Macleod
Produced by Chris Taylor for Â鶹Éç Audio Wales and West

For 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 Greatest Showstoppers /programmes/m001th7g

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