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BBC Symphony Orchestra - Elgar and Bliss

Live from the Barbican in London, Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Elgar: Enigma Variations. Bliss: The Beatitudes.

Live from the Barbican. Sir Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and soloists in Sir Arthur Bliss's cantata The Beatitudes. Plus Elgar's Enigma Variations.

Presented by Ian Skelly.

Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36

c. 8.05pm Interval

c. 8.25pm
Bliss: The Beatitudes

Emily Birsan, soprano
Ben Johnson, tenor
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sir Andrew Davis conductor

Sir Arthur Bliss wrote The Beatitudes for the opening of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1961, but at the last minute the premiere was relegated to Coventry Theatre. A powerful work, its dramatic arc reminds us of Bliss's gifts as a film composer. Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, it's unlikely to be in better hands - as indeed are Elgar's 'Enigma' Variations, his glorious, affectionate and often jocular musical portraits of friends and family.

2 hours, 30 minutes

Last on

Fri 12 May 201719:30
BBC Radio 3

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Recipes

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Music Played

  • Part 1

    • Edward Elgar

      Enigma Variations

      Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra.

  • Interval

    • Arnold Bax

      Nonet (1928-30)

      Ensemble: Nash Ensemble.
      • HYPERION.

  • Part 2

    • Arthur Bliss

      The Beatitudes

      Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Ensemble: BBC Symphony Chorus.

  • Post-concert

    • Béla Bartók

      Sonata for two pianos and percussion (3rd mvt)

      Performer: Cédric Tiberghien. Performer: François‐Frédéric Guy. Performer: Colin Currie. Performer: Sam Walton.
      • Bartok - Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion & other works.
      • Hyperion.
      • 16.

    • Gaetano Donizetti

      Il faut partir from La fille du regiment arr. viola & piano

      Performer: Antoine Tamestit. Performer: Cédric Tiberghien.
      • Harmonia Mundi.
      • HMM902277.

Credits

PerformerBBC Symphony Orchestra
PerformerBBC Symphony Chorus

Broadcast

  • Fri 12 May 201719:30
    BBC Radio 3