Ravel & Debussy
Exquisite colours
The harp is an instrument of extraordinary and distinctive musical colour. From one delicately plucked string to cascading sounds that emulate an entire orchestra, it is capable of magic. And you can experience that magic as conjured by the French Impressionists in this spellbinding concert in the Utzon Room.
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Turina fell in love with the Impressionists, and his music combines the sophistication of Paris with the folk melodies and rhythms of his native Spain, as you can hear in this piece evocatively titled La Oración del Torero (The Bullfighter’s Prayer).
Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro was commissioned by a harp manufacturer to show off its instrument – and it does just that! This is quintessential Ravel, graceful and sensual at the outset before the harp takes centre stage in hypnotic exchanges with the other instruments.
Another masterpiece in miniature, Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp distills all of his trademarks – a swirling, perfumed atmosphere, ever-changing harmonies and exquisite musical colours – into fifteen sublime minutes.
Program
RAVEL Introduction and Allegro
DEBUSSY Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp
TURINA La Oración del Torero
Artists
MUSICIANS OF THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Please note, the musicians featured in the photo above may not appear in this concert.
Presenting Partner
