麻豆社

The 麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra and their Principal Guest Conductor, Anja Bihlmaier, are joined by Jennifer Johnston and Christopher Purves for a concert performance of Bart贸k's dark suspense-filled "Duke Bluebeard's Castle". Seven mysterious doors are opened during the one act opera; newly married Judith discovers who her new husband really is as she comes face-to-face with rooms of blood, torture and tears. In music every bit as dramatic and haunting as the tale, Bart贸k adds an extra layer of terror and also encourages us to engage with the story as a psychological thriller.

Kod谩ly's "Dances of Gal谩nta" was written a couple of decades later, and also premiered in Budapest. His use of folk music was influenced by the music he heard as a child but this isn't just dance music; there's a seam of heart-felt sorrow and passion as well as infectious rhythm and virtuosic show-piece writing for the orchestra.

Opening the evening is music by Lili Boulanger, "D'un soir triste". This is music of depth and grit, orchestrated with confidence and weight. One of the very last pieces she wrote before she died at the age of twenty-four, there seems to be a gentle but direct ray of light at the very end of the piece.

Lili Boulanger: D'un soir triste
Kod谩ly: Dances of Gal谩nta

8.15 Music Interval

Bart贸k: Duke Bluebeard's Castle (sung in English)

Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano)
Christopher Purves (baritone)
麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra
Anja Bihlmaier (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask 麻豆社 Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".