Hear how Debussy brought music into the 20th century - then hear what happened next.
With a yearning flute solo, Debussy's ethereal and elusive Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun ushered in the 20th century. Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu begins From me flows whatyou call Time with another flute solo and a wash of impressionistic colour - Debussy's legacy is unmistakeable.
Takemitsu's music for five percussionists and orchestra literally "flows" through the venue with awesome spatial effects, suspended chimes and coloured ribbons representing water, fire, earth, wind and sky. This is a piece you need to see.
Aaron Copland grew up under the influence of Debussy and his successors, but this was just one of many influences that shaped his distinctive "American voice". The spacious nobility of his third symphony comes to a climax with thrilling references to his Fanfare for the Common Man.
DEBUSSY Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
TAKEMITSU From me flows what you call Time
COPLAND Symphony No.3
Robert Spano conductor
Rebecca Lagos, Colin Piper, Mark Robinson, Ian Cleworth, Tim Constable percussion
AUDIO PLAYER LISTING
Track 1 - DEBUSSY Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet
DECCA ELOQUENCE 480 0127
Track 2 - TAKEMITSU From me flows what you call time
Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edo de Waart
ABC CLASSICS 454 516-2
Track 3 - COPLAND Symphony No.3: II Allegro molto
Track 4 - COPLAND Symphony No.3: IV Molto deliberato (Fanfare) - Allegro risoluto
New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 9402
Audio kindly supplied by Silver Partner Universal Music