The University of Lübeck Orchestra is delighted to return to the Laeiszhalle this winter. With its dramatic, dark tones, Modest Mussorgsky’s »Night on Bald Mountain« transports audiences to a world of Slavic mythology, where witches and sorcerers gather for wild revels on St John’s Eve. Mussorgsky evokes an eerie night filled with mysterious forces and unleashed energy. Only the sound of a bell brings the haunting spectacle to an end, bringing the dark scene to a striking close.
In the Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra by Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian, the tuba reveals its rhythmic, lyrical and playful side. Dedicated to American virtuoso Roger Bobo, the versatile work promises a brilliant solo debut for young Lübeck tubist Helena Bach, combining dance-like motifs with elements of Armenian folk music.
The programme concludes with Modest Mussorgsky’s »Pictures at an Exhibition«, composed in 1874. Across ten movements, or »pictures«, Mussorgsky takes listeners on a tour of an exhibition featuring works by his friend, the artist Viktor Hartmann, who had recently died. Originally composed as a piano suite, the work was later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, whose masterful use of instrumental colour gave rise to the celebrated orchestral version.
PERFORMERS
Orchester der Universität zu Lübeck orchestra
HelenaBach tuba
Sönke Grohmann director
PROGRAM
Modest Mussorgsky
Night on Bald Mountain
Alexander G. Arutjunjan
Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra
- Interval -
Modest Mussorgsky / Maurice Ravel
Pictures at an Exhibition
