Ravel "La Valse"

In the organizer's words:

Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major is probably the most excitingly orchestrated concerto for a solo instrument with orchestra. Both cheerful and brilliant, it has been a favorite of concert audiences since its premiere in 1932. It begins furiously with a whip crack, produced by two pieces of wood connected by a hinge and struck together. The second, slow movement is often described as one of the most beautiful 'songs without words' in music history. It is embedded in the surreal circus atmosphere of the first movement with echoes of Ravel's Basque homeland, blues and jazz souvenirs from his travels in America and the fast-paced finale in the manner of a perpetuum mobile. Ravel's "La valse" hardly needs to be described - the symphonic waltz is one of the most popular works of the 20th century and regularly inspires audiences. Polish composer Witold Lutoslawsi's concerto for orchestra can also arouse enthusiasm. It was premiered with great success in Warsaw in 1954 and is the last work in which Lutosławski made use of folkloristic elements. With it, the composer said everything he had to say in this musical language...

Program

Mel Bonis
"Femmes de légende: Ophélie"

Maurice Ravel
Piano Concerto in G major

Witold Lutosławski
Concerto for orchestra

Maurice Ravel
"La Valse"

Performers

Alexandre Bloch | Conductor

Gabriela Montero | piano

Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra