Morning Moods, Mountain Kings… Grieg’s complete music for Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt comes to life in the concert hall with Star Trek legend John de Lancie as narrator.
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You’ll recognise the fearsome climaxes in The Hall of the Mountain King, and the floating serenity of Morning Mood. These are two of Grieg’s most famous themes. But what about the story from which they come: Peer Gynt?
Vladimir Ashkenazy begins the year with a musical masterpiece that has its origins in the emotion and drama of the theatre. Grieg’s complete music for Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt will be brought to life in the concert hall with Star Trek legend John de Lancie supplying a narrative to weave the music together.
Peer Gynt is the handsome antihero: reckless, irresponsible and “soulless as an onion” (says Ibsen). His wild adventures include a run-in with the Troll King and vast wealth in North Africa – where we hear the famous sunrise. He seduces and is seduced. But only Solveig stays true, waiting her whole life for his return. It’s the most touching moment, says Ashkenazy, “her final song is just devastating – it’s very difficult not to cry there.”
GRIEG Peer Gynt – Complete incidental music with a narration based on Henrik Ibsen's play
Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor
John de Lancie narrator
Jacqueline Porter soprano (Solveig)
Rachel Bate soprano (Anitra)
Simon Halligan baritone (Peer Gynt)
Marnie Mosiman (Åse)
VOX – Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Pre-concert talk by Yvonne Frindle at 7.15pm in the Northern Foyer.
AUDIO PLAYER LISTING
Track 1 – GRIEG Peer Gynt: In the Hall of the Mountain King
Track 2 – GRIEG Peer Gynt: Morning Mood
Track 3 – GRIEG Peer Gynt: Anitra’s Dance
Track 4 – GRIEG Peer Gynt: Solveig’s Cradle Song
Barbara Bonney, soprano (Solveig) with Gösta Ohlin’s Vocal Ensemble, Pro Musica Chamber Choir and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Järvi
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 5433
Audio kindly supplied by Universal Music.
Available for purchase.