Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini takes us to the depths of Dante's Inferno with frenzied music that whispers of forbidden love.
Paolo and Francesca da Rimini by Dante Gabriel Rossetti Photo: Wikimedia
The story of Francesca da Rimini takes place in the fifth canto of Dante’s Inferno.
Francesca, forced to marry a disfigured warlord, soon falls in love with his handsome brother Paolo.
Their desire for each other only increases when they read the Romance of Lancelot and Guinevere.
Giving in to their passion, they are caught by her jealous husband while making love.
Flying into an uncontrollable rage, he murders them both.
As punishment for their adultery, Francesca and her lover spend eternity swept up in a turbulent hurricane of souls.
Recorded 6 October 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert.
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Darryl Stack
