James Judd Photo: Miguel Alonso
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Voices New Zealand perform a concert of hope, drama and triumph with music by Verdi, Brahms and Dvořák, conducted by James Judd.
Verdi: Nabucco Overture
Verdi composed the opera Nabucco at a very emotional time in his life. After the death of his wife, the loss of their two children and the failure of his most recent opera, he resolved to never write another opera. Fortunately, he was persuaded to change his mind and Nabucco, from which the Overture is derived, became the work that established Verdi’s reputation as a composer.
Voices NZ and NZSO in the Michael Fowler Centre. Photo: Latitude Creative
Brahms: Schicksalslied, Op. 54 (Song of Destiny)
While visiting friends in 1868, Brahms came across a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin. He was so deeply moved by this work he immediately began sketching ideas that would become Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny). Featuring a chorus of singers from Voices New Zealand, Brahms’ Song of Destiny traverses the tranquillity, havoc, drama and mystery of Hölderlin's original poem.
Dvořák: Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88
Compared to Dvořák’s more sombre 7th Symphony, the 8th is often seen as joyful and idyllic, although it is not without its darker moments. From the brooding opening theme in the cellos to the joyful trumpet fanfares of the final movement, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 is a work of great contrasts.
Recorded 27 November 2021, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Darryl Stack
