LPO Performs “The Wooden Prince” at London’s Southbank Centre
On a momentous evening, the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) showcased Béla Bartók’s “The Wooden Prince” at London’s renowned Southbank Centre. This performance marked a continuation of the “Phoenix Lands” series, a tribute to 20th-century Central European music. The Southbank Centre, celebrating its 75th anniversary, provided an ideal backdrop for this musical event.
The Evening’s Program
Conductor Edward Gardner, who has led the LPO for over five years, selected a program emphasizing Central European composers and their signature sounds. This event followed a successful concert on February 4, featuring works by prominent figures such as Grażyna Bacewicz and Leoš Janáček.
Featured Works
- Rustic Suite, Op.19 by Vítězslava Kaprálová
- Stabat mater by Karol Szymanowski
- Waving Farewell for Voice and Orchestra, Op.14 by Vítězslava Kaprálová
- The Wooden Prince by Béla Bartók
Performance Highlights
The concert commenced with Kaprálová’s “Rustic Suite,” recognized for its remarkable blend of traditional Czech melodies. Gardner’s insights into the composer’s brief yet impactful career set the tone for the performance, enhancing the audience’s appreciation.
The evening progressed to Szymanowski’s “Stabat mater,” featuring the London Philharmonic Choir and soloists Juliana Grigoryan, Agnieszka Rehlis, and Kostas Smoriginas. The piece unfolded with a captivating lull, leading to an emotional dialogue among the performers.
Shifting back to Kaprálová, “Waving Farewell” served as a poignant interlude, reflecting the composer’s nostalgia for her homeland.
Béla Bartók’s “The Wooden Prince”
The final piece of the night, Bartók’s “The Wooden Prince,” spanned approximately 50 minutes. The narrative follows a prince whose romantic aspirations lead to magical complications involving a wooden figure brought to life. Gardner’s deft orchestral leadership ensured that the story’s whimsical elements resonated throughout the hall.
As the performance concluded, the audience expressed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause. The blend of Central European influences and the artistic execution underscored LPO’s commitment to celebrating these timeless works.
