Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Michel Legrand

Michel Legrand is best known for creating the soundtracks for over 200 films, including The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair and The Go-Between. But he had an insatiable creative spirit that led him into the world of theatre, ballet, opera and more.

Donald is joined by theatre director and composer Jeremy Sams, who recalls collaborating with Legrand on the Broadway musical Amour - and avoiding going to restaurants with him.

Music Featured:

Les Moulins de Mon CoeurSummer Me, Winter MeVian: Luna Rossa - Blushing Moon (arr. Legrand)Capua: O Sole Mio (arr. Legrand)Serrapi: Sentir De La Alhambra (arr. Legrand)Falla: Le Danse Du Feu (arr. Legrand)Rodor/Scotto: Sous les ponts de Paris (arr. Legrand)Battaille/Schertzinger: Paris je t’aime d’amour (arr. Legrand)Piaf/Louiguy: La vie en rose (arr. Legrand)Porter: I Love Paris (arr. Legrand)Durand: Mademoiselle de Paris (arr. Legrand)Bernheim: Paris (arr. Legrand)Kosma: Les feuilles mortes (arr. Legrand)Lafarge: La Seine (arr. Legrand)F. Waller: The Jitterbug Waltz (arr. Legrand)Reinhart: Nuages (arr. Legrand)Count Basie: Blue and Sentimental (arr. Legrand)Sampson/Goodman: Stompin' at the Savoy (arr. Legrand)Thelonious Monk: ‘Round Midnight (arr. Legrand)Ellington: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (arr. Legrand)Beiderbecke: In A Mist (arr. Legrand)Dans le magasin de parapluiesChez Dubourg, le joailierDevant le garageChanson de LolaBlues Chez le BougnatYou Must Believe in SpringWindmills of Your MindHis Eyes, Her EyesHow do you keep the music playing?Watch what happensWhat are you doing with the rest of your life?The Go Between (Main Title)The Summer KnowsThe Hands of TimeOverture from The Three MusketeersSongs from YentlNobody KnowsAfter the RainAmore (excepts)Once Upon a Summertime

Michel & Melissa at WorkNow and ThenConcerto pour violoncelleI Will Wait For You

Presented by Donald MacleodProduced by Alice Mckee for BBC Audio Wales & 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 Michel Legrand (1932-2019) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026kjg

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