Orchestra or Band | London Symphony Orchestra |
Set List | 'Figure Humaine', F Poulenc INTERVAL 'Symphony No.9', G Mahler |
Performance Notes | In Mahlers Ninth Symphony, the composer who would not live to hear its premiere bid farewell to all whom he loved. The words Leb wohl! (farewell) are written onto the score itself, transformed into a theme that becomes the heartbeat of the whole work.
Its a poignant choice for Sir Simon Rattles final UK performance as Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra. Death and life collide in a symphony haunted by loss but urgently clinging to dance and song. The finale, however, looks beyond, closing with a vision of distant hills where the sun is shining.
Opening the Prom is Poulencs choral masterpiece Figure humaine, a hymn to freedom from occupied France, performed by the BBC Singers.
The event was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC television. |
Related Archival Material | Proms Guide (RAHE/1/2023/ ), Programme (RAHE/1/2023/ ), Digital Photographs |