DVD + Blu-Ray:
Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle is joined by virtuoso soprano Barbara Hannigan in a programme that showcases the immense capabilities of the London Symphony Orchestra.
At the heart of this concert is The Rite of Spring. Once decried, it is now a cornerstone of orchestral repertoire and considered by many to be the greatest work of the 20th century. Its elemental nature is best summed up by Stravinsky, who, in an unaccustomed moment of humility, said that he didn’t feel he was the composer of the piece, but simply the vessel through which it passed. Sir Simon Rattle says: ‘I’ve been conducting it since I was 19...it’s one of those pieces that reminds you what the shock of the new is about and it’s still one of the great challenges and one of the great thrills to perform.’
To accompany Stravinsky’s magnum opus Rattle chose music from the Second Viennese School. Webern’s Six Pieces for Orchestra was given a ‘richly expressive and pictorial’ performance', while Barbara Hannigan, appropriately dressed in a blood red gown, embodied the role of Marie in three fragments from Berg’s potent opera Wozzeck. As well as the Berg, Hannigan also debuted a now famous version of one of her party pieces, Ligeti’s kaleidoscopic Mysteries of the Macabre. Channeling Gepopo, the crazed chief of police from Le Grand Macabre, in three arias, this display of coloratura pyrotechnics drew gasps as well as laughter from the enthralled audience.
English title Stravinsky, Ligeti, Berg & Webern
Conductor Sir Simon Rattle
Soloist Barbara Hannigan
Orchestra / Band London Symphony Orchestra
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN...

Vinyl: Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 | Daniil Trifonov
London Symphony Orchestra
Rediscover Daniil Trifonov's classic recording of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, now on high quality 180 gram vinyl, with free high definition download.

DVD + Blu-Ray: Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote
C Major Entertainment
Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote – Return to Vienna. “A Don Quixote to love … Legris and company can count the evening a total success”. (Die Presse)

New subtitle and information system
Wiener Staatsoper
Experience a comprehensive information system and six subtitle languages with a simple touch at the Wiener Staatsoper

"Le Encantadas" by Olga Neuwirth at Wien Modern
Wien Modern
Olga Neuwirth created an acoustic journey through an archipelago of sound in her masterpiece from 2014–2015 which was co-commissioned by Wien Modern.