Philzuid

Energetic ballet music for puppets brought to life. Leave that to the genius Igor Stravinsky. Stravinsky’s Petrouchka is a sparkling orchestral work that continues to astonish with its rich rhythm and melodic inventiveness. Stravinsky wrote the piece for the famous Ballets Russes in 1911. After the success of The Firebird, impresario Sergei Diaghilev aimed for a quick follow-up. Stravinsky succeeded with flying colors. In Petrouchka, dancing rhythms and popular folk tunes tumble over one another at breakneck speed. The version of Petrouchka most beloved by music experts dates from 1947. In this extra dynamic version, Stravinsky gives full space to the piano and percussion. The ever-energetic principal conductor Duncan Ward and Philzuid know just how to handle it.

Meanwhile, in the United States, George Gershwin caused a sensation with his Rhapsody in Blue. He wrote the piece for jazz icon Paul Whiteman’s big band. In just five weeks, Gershwin completed his signature work. The 25-year-old composer created a super mix of classical grandeur, swinging jazz, and brooding blues. The French master pianist Alexandre Tharaud is the guest soloist, bringing new life to this enchanting crossover concerto with his insightful playing. For twenty years, Tharaud has been treating audiences to his quicksilver interpretations of French repertoire, but he also eagerly explores twentieth-century classics. Philzuid opens the concert with a rarely heard ballet suite by the French composer Francis Poulenc. Like Stravinsky, Poulenc completed Les Biches (Young Does) for the renowned Ballets Russes. In the life-affirming Les Biches, he captures the joy of young people partying on a sultry summer afternoon.

Programma

Poulenc – Les Biches
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Stravinsky – Petroesjka (versie 1947)