Webern Variations Op. 30 Berg Lulu Suite Martinů Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani Bartók Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste
Vladimir Jurowski conductor Barbara Hannigan soprano
The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski will be dedicating this evening’s concert to Sir Colin Davis.
Intense darkness pervades these three works from the 1930s. Berg’s operatic masterpiece of human self-destruction Lulu lends its most surging themes to its namesake Suite for soprano and orchestra, which perfectly exposes the composer’s marrying of Serialist technique to unfailing melodic gift. Bartók’s mysteriously scored creation has the feeling of music from another world – at once utterly foreign and beguilingly beautiful. As Martinů saw his native Czechoslovakia threatened in 1938, he created a near-violent expression of courage – in his own words, ‘a current of notes that never ceases for an instant, and by a melody that passionately claims the right to freedom.’
Soloist Barbara Hannigan talks about the power of Lulu and the challenge of learning the role.
Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski explores the music of tonight's concert:
CONCERT: Vaughan Williams and Tippett Wednesday 1 May 2013 Wigglesworth conducts Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 4 and Tippett's A Child in Time. More information >
CONCERT: Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Shostakovich Friday 17 May 2013 Vladimir Jurowski conducts Stravinsky's Jeu de Cartes, Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6. More information >
CD: Busoni - Dr Faust / Boult Ł9.99 Live recording of Busoni Doktor Faust with the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted Sir Adrian Boult. More information >
