Sibelius: Karelia Suite Howell: Piano Concerto Walton: Symphony no.1
Sibelius’s Karelia Suite comprises movements extracted from a theatrical event of 1893, in which a set of eight tableaux told the story of Finland’s past, from its mythic origins in the age of runic song to the union of Karelia with Finland in 1811. One of his most loved compositions, the Suite contains two catchy, tuneful marches on either side of a graceful ‘Ballade’ in minuet time.
A talented pianist and composer from an early age, Dorothy Howell was hailed as the ‘English Strauss’ after her symphonic poem ‘Lamia’ was performed at the Proms in 1919, conducted by Henry Wood. Wood also conducted performances of her piano concerto, with Howell herself as soloist, in 1923 and 1927. The concerto comprises a single movement, with three sections, in a late romantic style influenced by Tchaikovsky and Grieg.
It has been suggested that William Walton composed his Symphony no.1 as an emotional reaction to the ending of a torrid love affair; so much so that Tom Service of The Guardian described it thus: ‘This symphony is a volcanic eruption of dark, sensual passion which speaks with unmediated power from the very first bar. The first movement is one of the most unrelentingly intense experiences and most remarkable structures in twentieth century music….’ You have been warned.
Ticket Information
Admission: £20, £10 (students), £6 (under 14)