THE TSAR, THE ROCK AND THE FIREBIRD (STREAM) at Hallé Orchestra

Rimsky-Korsakov - The Tale of Tsar Saltan: Suite
Rachmaninov - The Rock
Stravinsky - The Firebird: Suite (1945)

Conductor Sir Mark Elder | Hallé Orchestra

For the series finale, Sir Mark leads the Hallé in a spectacular Russian programme, beginning with Rimsky-Korsakov's suite, or Little Pictures, from his fairy-tale opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. They are, Sir Mark comments, full of lovely tunes and show the composer's wonderful ear for orchestral colour, and theatricality. Each Picture is a short tone poem, all beginning with the same brass fanfare, as if to say, Once upon a time.
Rachmaninov was only 20 when he composed his brooding, atmospheric The Rock, inspired by a Chekhov story, yet it already demonstrates his mastery of the orchestra.
The music of Stravinsky is again celebrated with his breakthrough work and first masterpiece, The Firebird, drawn from Russian folklore. Although influenced by his teacher Rimsky-Korsakov, its imbued with Stravinsky's own personality, displaying a natural flair for composing ballet as exemplified by the vibrant Dance of the Firebird and the thrilling Infernal Dance.

Filmed during the Hallé's live Summer Season. After going online on 29 July the concert will remain available to watch on demand for three months.