Recorded in 1982, this performance of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor features the Uruguayan pianist Homero Francesch along with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner. Born in 1947, Francesch studied in Munich and won the Prix Italia in 1973. He achieved particular prominence the following year for his participation in the world premiere of Hans Werner Henze’s “Tristan” in London. Sir Neville Marriner founded the now internationally celebrated Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in 1959. Though the majority of his opera and concert performances and recordings are with the Academy, Marriner also works consistently with all major orchestras worldwide.
Haydn, Piano Concerto in D major, Hob.XVIII:11
Pulcinella
Following the success of Massine’s choreography in “Les femmes de bonne humeur”, Diaghilev wanted to present a work based on the music of Pergolesi. He collected the composer’s unfinished manuscripts and was able to persuade Igor Stravinsky to compose the music for a new ballet. Picasso was engaged to design the sets and the costumes, while Massine was responsible for the choreography. The effort was worthwhile. “Pulcinella” is one of those rare ballets in which the individual elements – plot, music, choreography, set design and costumes – form a harmonious and homogeneous whole. Heinz Spoerli presents his Pulcinella using the language of modern ballet. One of the most important choreographers of our time, Spoerli was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1941 and became director of the Basler Ballet in 1973. Under his direction, the Basler Ballet has become a highly esteemed international ensemble.