An authority on Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle celebrates three of the composer’s revolutionary ballets. Stravinsky sent shockwaves through classical music in the 20th century. His first three ballets – The Firebird, Petrushka and The Rite of Spring, all composed between 1911 and 1913 – brought a new and frenzied sense of rhythm, so distressing to audiences that it caused uproar; The Rite of Spring even caused a riot. And it’s not hard to see why. Is there any moment in music more demonic than the opening to The Firebird, a terrifying rumble of strings that would make Jaws tremble? There are few pieces more unsettling than The Rite of Spring with ist carnal, tribal rhythms; or Petrushka with ist impish Punch and Judy puppets. Sir Simon Rattle brings these three creations to life in this dramatic programme. PROGRAM STRAVINSKY The Firebird (original ballet), Petrushka (1947 version), The Rite of Spring
LSO: Rattle conducts Mahler and Tippett
From blissful radiances to a last lament, Sir Simon Rattle conducts the final works of Sir Michael Tippett and Gustav Mahler. Tippett never shied away from breaking new musical ground, and his last major work, ‘a song without words for orchestra’, was no exception. Inspired by journeys to Senegal, The Rose Lake is the imaginary chant of the breathtaking, rose-hued Lake Retba. Each section of the orchestra is illuminated, with driving percussive forces and soaring melodies portraying a euphoric awakening of the landscape. The Rose Lake is a hymn of nature; but Mahler’s final work, left unfinished and restored after years of collaboration, is the cry of a desperate man. Condemned to life with a fatal heart condition and a failing marriage, his Tenth Symphony is a heartrending goodbye – as the composer himself inscribed on the manuscript, ‘farewell, farewell’. PROGRAM Tippett: The Rose Lake; Mahler: comp COOKE Symphony No 10
LSO: Rattle conducts Sibelius & Janacek
Janacek and Sibelius transform myth and folklore into soaring musical effigies. PROGRAM Sibelius: Symphony No 5; Janacek: Sinfonietta
LSO: Rattle conducts Folk Roots, Urban Roots
Jubilent Eastern European folk music, swinging Latin American rhythms and toe-tapping jazz are brought together in an ambitious programme featuring the legendary Labeque Sisters under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. PROGRAM Bartok: Hungarian Peasant Songs; Szymanowski: Harnasie; Stravinsky: Ebony Concerto; Golijov: Nazareno; Bernstein: Prelude, Fugue and Riff