91Èȱ¬

This afternoon opens with a ‘fantastic scherzo,’ Kikimora, a tone poem by Lyadov depicting witches. Kikimora takes its inspiration, and name, from a legendary female figure of Slavic folklore. The dark and moody orchestral colours make this piece both mesmerisingly menacing and harmonically haunting.

Sofia Gubaidulina’s powerful 1996 Viola Concerto will be performed today by former 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3 New Generation Artist Lawrence Power, before a visit to Spain for Ravel's colourful Rapsodie espagnole.

Closing this afternoon’s live broadcast, and continuing the theme of sunny climes, is Ibert's Escales (‘Ports of Call’). Imagine a cruise round the Mediterranean, stopping off at Palermo, Rome, Tunis and Valencia …