Beethoven Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’
Copland Fanfare for the Common Man
Liszt Les Préludes
Ešenvalds A Shadow
We join forces with Bath Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s mighty Choral Symphony. Beethoven was the first composer to introduce voices into a symphony with a setting of Schiller’s Ode to Joy.
Another innovator, Liszt was the first composer to use the term ‘symphonic poem’ to describe a work linked to some extra-musical idea. Les Préludes draws on a poem by Lamartine on the theme of love and war.
Bath Bach Choir – conducted by Musical Director, Benedict Collins Rice – will perform Ešenvalds’ setting of Longfellow’s poem A Shadow, which showcases his powerful use of rich and glorious melody. The 8-part choir, accompanied by the gentle chimes of the glockenspiel, alternately soars with joy and quietly contemplates the flow of time (accompanist: Marcus Sealy).
Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man opens the programme. Composed in 1942 to support the American war effort, the fanfare does not celebrate any individual hero, but the power found in all of us to change the world.
Lilo Evans soprano
Bethan Langford mezzo-soprano
Alex Sprauge tenor
Paul Carey-Jones bass
Eugene Monteith and Adam Laughton conductors
Alison Boden leader
Tickets £21 Students/U18s: £11
Tickets will be available from Bath Box Office.
The Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UG