Antonín Dvořák: Hussite Overture Context Composed for the 1883 gala opening of the Prague National Theatre, Antonín Dvořák’s Hussite Overture is one of his more relaxed ‘Slavonic period’ works. The Music Opening with a rich woodwind chorale theme, the Hussite Overture sets a solemn scene. Sonorous bassoon basslines sing Read more…
Steve Reich: Quartet Context Co-commissioned by the Southbank Centre, Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Cité de la musique and Köner Philharmonie, Steve Reich’s Quartet was premiered in 2013 by the Colin Currie Group. Dedicated to percussionist Colin Currie, the quartet is made up of two pianos and two vibraphones. The Read more…
Debbie Wiseman: Wolf Hall Context First broadcast in 2015, BBC’s Wolf Hall is a six-part historical series based on Hilary Mantel’s novels of the same name. The story follows that of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII through to the death of Sir Thomas More. Debbie Wiseman wrote Read more…
Percy Grainger: Willow Willow Context Willow Willow was Percy Grainger’s first setting of a traditional tune, which was written for voice and piano in 1898. In years to come, Grainger wrote an orchestral version which featured strings and guitar with voice for the song, both versions are performed today, but Read more…
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No.1 Context Composed between winter 1887 and spring 1888, Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony went through a number of revisions after its premiere in 1888. Originally composed as a “symphonic poem in two parts”, Mahler composed the work during his time at the Leipzig Opera House. First constructed Read more…
William Mathias: Serenade Context Welsh composer, William Mathias, composed Serenade in 1963. Although largely remembered for his large catalogue of choral music, Mathias also wrote a number of orchestral works, including three seldom performed symphonies. The Music Serenade is an intensely pastoral work that is split into three contrasting Read more…
Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’ Context During the early 1830s, Felix Mendelssohn visited Italy, where he was inspired to write a number of his works, including the vivacious Fourth Symphony. Whilst in Italy, Mendelssohn travelled through Florence, Venice, Naples, Genoa, Rome and Milan, which showed him so many different sides Read more…
Lars-Erik Larsson: Pastoral Suite Context In 1937, Swedish composer Lars-Erik Larsson began working as a composer-conductor for the Swedish national radio service. It was here that he pioneered a new genre of music for radio entertainment called ‘Lyrical Suite’. Here art forms collided and with the music playing, poetry would Read more…
Bohuslav Martinů: La Revue de Cuisine Suite Context One of the leading Czech composers during the 20th Century, Bohuslav Martinů wrote over 400 works, including 6 symphonies, 15 operas, 14 ballet scores and a huge body of chamber and orchestral works. After finding his feet in the style of Neoclassicism, Read more…
George Frideric Handel: Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder Messiah Part II Context George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has remained one of the composer’s most beloved works. Incredibly, Handel completed this 260-page oratorio in just 24 days during the summer of 1741. The scriptural text was compiled by Charles Jennens, with Read more…