Symphonies of the Human Spirit

The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk perform symphonic masterpieces by Mozart, Prokofiev and Stravinsky's powerful Symphony of Psalms.

The young Mozart pops the musical champagne corks in 18th century Salzburg. In a time of terror, Prokofiev writes a symphony to delight the hearts of children, and ends up uncovering something far more personal. And Stravinsky raises his voice in praise, in the extraordinary Symphony of Psalms. It’s still one of the miracles of 20th-century music: a work of profound faith and timeless ritual, written by classical music’s supreme iconoclast. The BBC Symphony Chorus squares that circle today, and conductor Dima Slobodeniouk – in his first appearance with the BBC SO – surrounds it with wonder, whether it’s Mozart in party mood, or Prokofiev’s magical but haunted last symphony: music that seems to smile through its tears.

Live from the Barbican Hall, London
Presented by Martin Handley

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 35 in D major, 'Haffner'
Igor Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms

20.20 Interval (off CD)
Kapralova: Variations sur le carillon de l'église St-Étienne-du-Mont, Op. 16
Giorgio Koukl (piano)

George Walker: Stars
BBC Singers
Grace Rossiter (conductor)

Joseph Haydn String Quartet in D major Op.50`6 1st Movement (Frog)
Consone Quartet

20.40
Sergey Prokofiev: Symphony No 7 in C sharp minor

BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Chorus
Dima Slobodeniouk (conductor)