| Russian Masterworks | Melbourne Symphony Orchestra |
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The tortured hero of Byron’s epic poem Manfred lives as an outcast in a ruined Alpine castle, seeking forgetfulness for an incestuous love for his sister Astarte. A proud, faithless outsider, Manfred is the subject of one of Tchaikovsky’s most lavish symphonic creations, full of magnificent orchestral ideas and sweeping melodies.
Shostakovich wrote his tuneful Piano Concerto No. 2 for his son, Maxim, who was soloist in the premiere performance on his 19th birthday, in May 1957. Its meltingly beautiful Andante is framed by music of tremendous effervescence.
This all-Russian program opens with Mussorgsky’s famous depiction of Moscow’s Red Square at dawn – the sleeping city, the quiet flow of the river and the clang of church bells.
Oleg Caetani will give the pre-concert talks for these performances.
Mussorgsky
orch. Shostakovich Khovanshchina: Introduction (Dawn on the Moscow River)
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2
Tchaikovsky Manfred – Symphony in Four Scenes after Byron’s Dramatic Poem
Oleg Caetani conductor
Steven Osborne piano
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Russian Masterworks
Geelong
Friday 14 March at 8pm
Deakin University, Costa Hall, Geelong
Bookings: 5225 1200
Melbourne
Saturday 15 March at 2pm
Monday 17 March at 8pm
the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
Bookings: www.mso.com.au or Ticketmaster on 1300 136 166
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