Bluebeard's Castle

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and their Principal Guest Conductor, Anja Bihlmaier, are joined by Jennifer Johnston and Christopher Purves for a concert performance of Bartók's dark suspense-filled "Duke Bluebeard's Castle". Seven mysterious doors are opened during the one act opera; newly married Judith discovers who her new husband really is as she comes face-to-face with rooms of blood, torture and tears. In music every bit as dramatic and haunting as the tale, Bartók adds an extra layer of terror and also encourages us to engage with the story as a psychological thriller.

Kodály's "Dances of Galánta" was written a couple of decades later, and also premiered in Budapest. His use of folk music was influenced by the music he heard as a child but this isn't just dance music; there's a seam of heart-felt sorrow and passion as well as infectious rhythm and virtuosic show-piece writing for the orchestra.

Opening the evening is music by Lili Boulanger, "D'un soir triste". This is music of depth and grit, orchestrated with confidence and weight. One of the very last pieces she wrote before she died at the age of twenty-four, there seems to be a gentle but direct ray of light at the very end of the piece.

Lili Boulanger: D'un soir triste
Kodály: Dances of Galánta

8.15 Music Interval

Bartók: Duke Bluebeard's Castle (sung in English)

Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano)
Christopher Purves (baritone)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Anja Bihlmaier (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".