To produce this special television version of his work, which was first conceived as music theatre, Stockhausen worked in close collaboration with television director José Montes-Baquer to exploit to the full the possibilities offered by the electronic media. Video techniques provided the means to create a stunningly innovative mise-en-scène to match Stockhausen’s music, libretto, dance actions and gestures. This performance programme is also available with an introductory interview with the composer, illustrated with rehearsal footage, giving an insight into his creative processes.
Tangos Among Friends – Presented by Daniel Barenboim
In this personal pilgrimage, world-renowned pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim, travels to Buenos Aires to rediscover his home town, the magic of tango and the legend of its greatest pioneer, Carlos Gardel. Interviews and fabulous archive footage evoke the glamorous and optimistic spirit of Buenos Aires in the early 20th century, and provide a framework for investigating the forces which brought such material and artistic wealth to its impoverished, immigrant communities. Barenboim demonstrates tango styles and techniques, and brings the music of Gardel, Salgán, Píazzolla and Ginastera to life in performances with Rodolfo Mederos and Hector Console, and in a thrilling partnership with Placido Domingo.
Piazzolla, Concerto for Bandoneon, Guitar and Orchestra – Adiós Nonino (Tango)
“I began my musical training with Alberto Ginastera. From him I learned the importance of grasping music. On this basis I began to make new arrangements. I composed even string quartets for the members of my tango orchestra. My arrangements were however, ahead of their time, and I soon had to realize that my music was not appreciated by all. This is the same today. In Argentina one can change everything, only not the tango. That was so back then, as if I had taken on another faith, as if I had converted from Christianity to Islam or Buddhism. But I had the idea, lucky for me, above all, of changing the tango¿ I enjoy composing. I do not limit myself to writing concertante or symphonic music, I write everything with pleasure¿ Whoever wants to write contemporary music must not lost his identity. I am Argentine and my music has to be Argentine. My music has to breathe the air of my country. Luckily one has always told me: Your music comes from Buenos Aires.” (Astor Piazzolla)
Piazzolla, Concerto for Bandoneon and Orchestra
“I began my musical training with Alberto Ginastera. From him I learned the importance of grasping music. On this basis I began to make new arrangements. I composed even string quartets for the members of my tango orchestra. My arrangements were however, ahead of their time, and I soon had to realize that my music was not appreciated by all. This is the same today. In Argentina one can change everything, only not the tango. That was so back then, as if I had taken on another faith, as if I had converted from Christianity to Islam or Buddhism. But I had the idea, lucky for me, above all, of changing the tango¿ I enjoy composing. I do not limit myself to writing concertante or symphonic music, I write everything with pleasure¿ Whoever wants to write contemporary music must not lost his identity. I am Argentine and my music has to be Argentine. My music has to breathe the air of my country. Luckily one has always told me: Your music comes from Buenos Aires.” (Astor Piazzolla)
Piazzolla, The next Tango
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.