Described by Berlioz himself as “apocalyptic,” Te Deum really is a piece of epic proportions. The premiere saw over 1000 performers including a children’s choir of 600! After the bombastic first movement complete with full brass, organ and a huge choral fugue, we hear 3 movements that share a similar pattern - periods of quiet followed by huge climaxes. The final section is the most church-like, beginning with a stately organ passage, but this too is overwhelmed by the dramatic instrumental and choral writing, before it ends to the sound of thundering brasses.
Commissioned to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Borodino in 1812, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is perhaps his best known work – complete with military fanfares, Russian folk melodies and canon fire. Also performed is Coleridge-Taylor’s Petite Suite de Concert, which has an unmistakeably English essence and an understated charm which provides a great contrast to the monumental theatrics of the other two pieces in the programme.
More concerts at the Three Choirs Festival:
The Philharmonia performs at the Three Choirs Festival
Jul 26 2012, 19:45 - Hereford Cathedral
Peter Nardone conducts Ireland's London Overture, Delius's Sea Drift and Elgar's The Music Makers, with Sarah Connolly and James Rutherford
The Philharmonia performs at the Three Choirs Festival
Jul 25 2012, 19:45 - Hereford Cathedral
Martyn Brabbins conducts Dyson's The Canterbury Pilgrims at the Three Choirs Festival 2012
The Philharmonia performs at Three Choirs Festival
Jul 23 2012, 19:45 - Hereford Cathedral
Adrian Partington conducts Mendelssohn's Calm Sea and a Prosperous Voyage, Vaughan Williams's Sea Symphony and a special commission by Joseph Phibbs
Julian Lloyd Webber performs at the Three Choirs Festival
Jul 22 2012, 19:45 - Hereford Cathedral
Diego Matheuz conducts Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite, Debussy's La mer, Ravel's Boléro, and Julian Lloyd Webber playing Delius's Cello Concerto
The Philharmonia performs at the Three Choirs Festival
Jul 21 2012, 19:45 - Hereford Cathedral
Geraint Bowen conducts Haydn's The Creation at the Three Choirs Festival
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