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Dark Visions, Milky Ways

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Afkham in Messaien and in Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony. Nicholas Daniel joins as cor anglais soloist for Tarkiainen's Milky Ways.

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Afkham in Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony and Messiaen's Offrandes oubliées, and Nicholas Daniel is the cor anglais soloist for Tarkiainen's starry Milky Ways.

Live at the Barbican London, presented by Martin Handley

Olivier Messiaen: Les Offrandes oubliées - méditation symphonique
Outi Tarkiainen: Milky Ways (ѿý Co-Commission and UK Premiere)

c. 20.05

Interval music

Dmitry Shostakovich: Symphony No.10, Op.93

Nicholas Daniel (cor anglais)
ѿý Symphony Orchestra
David Afkham (conductor)

The Soviets called Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony an “optimistic tragedy”, but the reality is infinitely more complex (and compelling) than that. It’s a symphony of dark secrets and shattering power: a powerful contrast to the heavenly radiance of Messiaen’s musical prayer, and the haunting tenderness and magical new sounds of Outi Tarkiainen’s Milky Ways.

“We all began life on milky ways” says Tarkiainen, and this ѿý co-commission was inspired by the glorious sound of our soloist Nicholas Daniel, whose cor anglais (says Tarkiainen) will soar “from Mother Earth to the celestial Milky Way”. It’s a vision that Messiaen, too, would have appreciated. Shostakovich dealt with altogether more brutal truths, but some say that his Tenth is his greatest symphony, and it’ll make a gripping ѿýSO debut for the “remarkable” (Bachtrack) David Afkham.

2 hours, 28 minutes

Music Played

  • Olivier Messiaen

    Les Offrandes Oubliees - Meditation Symphonique

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: David Afkham.
  • Outi Tarkiainen

    Milky Ways - Concerto

    Performer: Nicholas Daniel. Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: David Afkham.
  • John Tavener

    Hymn to the Mother of God

    Choir: Gabrieli Consort. Conductor: Paul McCreesh.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.
  • James McMillan

    A Child's Prayer

    Choir: Gabrieli Consort. Conductor: Paul McCreesh.
    • Signum.
  • Herbert Howells

    Requiem - Salvator Mundi

    Choir: Gabrieli Consort. Conductor: Paul McCreesh.
    • Signum.
  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Preludes Op.34 (selection)

    Performer: Andrey Gugnin.
    • Hyperion.
  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Symphony No. 10 In E Minor Op.93

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: David Afkham.
  • Claudio Monteverdi

    Hor che'l ciel et la terra (8th Book of Madrigals)

    Ensemble: Concerto Italiano. Conductor: Rinaldo Alessandrini.
    • Ïշ.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    Fantasie in F Minor, Op 49

    Performer: Kathryn Stott.
    • Kathryn Stott: The Complete Solo Recordings.
    • Sony Classical.
    • 4.

Broadcast

  • Fri 27 Oct 2023 19:30