Bach / Messiaen / Ligeti / Beethoven // Kodály Choir / Keller

This programme spans centuries and juxtaposes a series of emblematic – and at the same time, sublime – works. Ricercar a 6, one of Bach’s greatest achievements here being performed as arranged for orchestra by Anton Webern, will immediately be followed by a sublime symphonic meditation from the 20th century: Olivier Messiaen’s composition attempts to evoke the sacrifice of Christ, foolishly forgotten by humankind. György Ligeti’s 1966 choral work Lux aeterna, a marvel of micropolyphonic technique familiar to many from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, relates to the sacred in terms of its title and lyrics. Taking the lead in this piece will be the Kodály Choir Debrecen, which will naturally remain on stage to help Concerto Budapest, conducted by András Keller and joined by four superb soloists, power the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.