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Philharmonia Orchestra: Infernal Dance
Zoltán Kodály: Dances of Galánta
Béla Bartók: Violin Concerto No.2
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Béla Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra is probably his best-known work. Written in 1943 and one of his final works, all the hallmarks of Bartók's music are here - fierce rhythmic energy, vivid extremes of colour, folk themes interwoven with glorious melodies. It is a spectacle in every sense, and one that demands a virtuoso display from the entire orchestra - the musical equivalent of a peacock displaying its plumage. In this evening's concert it is performed alongside Bartók's lyrical Violin Concerto No.2, another late work and in essence an extended series of melodic variations.
The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall at 10pm - post-concert performance by Hungarian folk group Muzsikás. Free.
PerformersEsa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Christian Tetzlaff violin