Paul Dukas shot to fame after writing 'The Sorcerer鈥檚 Apprentice', inspired by a Goethe poem. Around 40 years later the piece featured in the 1940 Disney film 'Fantasia', where Micky Mouse, weary from carrying buckets of water, conjures a magic spell to make a broomstick carry the water instead. He then falls asleep only to wake amongst a massive flood. This was the first use of stereo sound in a film.
'Britten鈥檚 Young Person鈥檚 Guide to the Orchestra' was commissioned in 1946 by the government as a soundtrack to an educational film. The piece begins by showcasing the orchestra as a whole and then the main theme is passed amongst each of the families of instruments 鈥� woodwind, brass, strings and percussion.
Well known for the opening 'O Fortuna' section, as heard on many TV programmes and films, Orff鈥檚 'Carmina Burana' is a secular work in three parts entitled 'Spring', 'In the Tavern' and 'Love'. Using medieval Latin poems, Orff put rhythm at the fore of his music, making this a dramatic and energetic piece.
Pre-concert talk 6.45pm
Albert Room
Mark Pallant discusses the evening鈥檚 works.
Entry is free to ticket-holders for the concert but space is limited so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
