Prom 38 (part 1): Messiaen - Turangalila Symphony

The BBC Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Juanjo Mena are joined by Steven Osborne and Valérie Hartmann-Claverie live at the BBC Proms.

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London
Presented by Penny Gore

Foulds: Three Mantras

8.00 pm INTERVAL

8.20 pm
Messiaen: Turangalîla Symphony

Valérie Hartmann-Claverie (ondes martenot)
Steven Osborne (piano)
London Symphony Chorus (women's voices)
BBC Philharmonic
Juanjo Mena (conductor)

Hindu philosophy is the guiding thread through this Prom of music by one of the twentieth century's undisputed masters and one of its neglected mavericks. Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphony translates the 'curious, exquisite, unexpected melodic contours' of the Hindu tradition for Western ears. John Foulds's music was heavily influenced by his spiritual fascination with India; his style shifts in his Three Mantras from the rhythmic violence of Stravinsky to inward meditation and the colourful textures of Ravel.

This Prom will be repeated on Tuesday 25th August at 2pm.