Prokofiev, Sergueï (1891-1953) | Roméo et Juliette (excerpts) | |
Tchaïkovski, Piotr Ilitch (1840-1893) | Symphonie no. 6 en si mineur, «Pathétique», Op.74 |
Wiener Philharmoniker | |
Yannick Nézet-Séguin | Direction |
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet—his first large-scale ballet—deftly embraces the essence of Shakespeare’s tragedy. The balcony scene’s sweet lyricism and the driving rhythms propelling the fights between the rival families excite with cinematic power. Tchaikovsky’s symphony has a turbulent heart and meditates on death without being maudlin. It roils with emotion in its opening, dances and marches in the inner movements, and says a poetic farewell to life in a heart-wrenching finale.
Please note that Yannick Nézet-Séguin will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in place of Valery Gergiev. The program remains unchanged.