Conductor: Valery Gergiev
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Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), the Grande Messe des morts (Requiem), Op. 5
"If I were threatened with the destruction of the whole of my works save one, I should crave mercy for the Messe des morts," stated Berlioz (1803-1896). This is indeed an overwhelmingly beautiful composition uniquely orchestrated and always stimulating audiences' emotions. Berlioz adds to the large enough orchestra and chorus, four brass ensembles at the corners of the stage (Verdi has done this in his requiem with only a few trumpets) joined by sixteen timpani drums, two bass drums and four tam-tams to create a powerful and loud unison portraying Judgment Day. Berlioz was rightfully considered one of the greatest orchestrators alongside Beethoven and Ravel and had written the first ever published orchestration guide despite his lack of any formal training, with the limit of his playing proficiency to guitar, flageolet and flute.
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), The Fiery Angel, Op. 37, an opera in five acts
In The Fiery Angel (Op. 37), an opera in five acts, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) carries us away to mysterious and supernatural realms where worldly real life events and emotions intertwine with the occult. The plot is based on a novel by Valery Bryusov, published in 1907, first encountered by Prokofiev in 1919 during a visit to the United States. This is the story of Renata who at the young age of eight was privileged to meet an angel called Madiel. This angel appeared dressed in a blinding white glowing gown and taught her how to lead a righteous life befitting a nun. Renata falls in love with her angel, she wishes to develop a more carnal and sensual relationship. Madiel, outraged and furious by this idea, disappears into a ball of fire but promises to return in human form. In her search for Madiel, a journey full of horrific visions, she is led to believe that Count Heinrich is her angel and is swept into a passionate love affair only to be abandoned shortly after. This love triangle is completed with the character of Ruprect, her companion and protector who is totally in love. All his efforts to win her heart are futile as she is immersed in her obsessive quest that leads them both deep into the realms of the occult. It so happens that this novel depicts a real love triangle experienced by the author. As the story is set in sixteenth century Germany at the pinnacle of the Inquisition one can only imagine how it ends. Prokofiev librettist as well as composer of this opera has succeeded in creating one of the most exciting and outstanding musical masterpieces.
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827), Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
The premiere of the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) marked a significant turning point in the history of traditional classical symphony. This is with no doubt a magnum opus of Beethoven's compositions and its electrifying effect continues to thrill and exhilarate audiences to this day, as the theme of the finalé has become the most famous musical composition cherished by many people around the globe. It was considered revolutionary as Beethoven introduced a change in the usual pattern of classical symphonies and even more so by incorporating a chorus and four vocal soloists during the final movement (with words from Friedrich Schiller's poem, Ode to Joy). This final movement was used as the anthem at the Olympic Games in the years 1956 and 1968 and later was adapted for use as the European Anthem, while Symphony No. 9 is traditionally performed throughout Japan during its New Year's celebrations. This magnificent masterpiece offers a demanding challenge to every conductor and sheer joy of the senses for every audience. The political and social message Beethoven had believed in is appropriately conveyed through the words "All men become brothers".
