Budapest Festival Orchestra: Ravel, Dohnányi, Mendelssohn

About the Event

Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Budapest's breathtaking Palace of Arts for the ultimate concert set to awake your understanding of classical music.

Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin isn't just a tribute to baroque keyboard music it's an ode to friends he lost during World War I. Dohnányi, on the other hand, showcases the whimsical side of classical music by transforming the children's song 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' into a piece teeming with humor. Not to be outdone, Mendelssohn celebrates the Reformation through his symphony. These are but snippets of the compelling stories that will come to life during the concert, conducted by the renowned Jaime Martín. His dynamism in music has been lauded globally, and as a Telegraph reviewer put it, Martín's 'enthusiasm for music is contagious to both orchestra and audience.'

The concert unfolds with Ravel's suite, which seamlessly merges innovative sounds with French Baroque elegance. Its movements are more than just tributes to François Couperin they commemorate friends Ravel lost in the war, including two brothers killed by a grenade. Despite its somber inspiration, the piece is more nostalgic than mournful. Originally conceived for piano, Ravel also envisioned it for an orchestra, with the oboe playing a pivotal role. The suite transports the audience from a swirling prelude to the melancholic strains of a forlane, followed by a serene minuet and a touching rigaudon.

Dohnányi's piece offers a humorous break. With a nod to 'the delight of friends of humor' on his score, he juxtaposes a grand orchestral introduction with the simplicity of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' But it's not all fun and games the piece is laced with sophisticated orchestration, harmonies, and stylistic parodies.

Lastly, Mendelssohn's ties to Protestantism shine through in his symphony, envisioned for the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession. Though the ceremony it was intended for was canceled, Mendelssohn's passion for the subject matter resonates. The symphony is punctuated with motifs like the 'Dresden Amen' and culminates in the rousing chorale 'Ein feste Burg,' encapsulating the triumph of Lutheran voices.

This concert promises a musical journey that interweaves history, emotion, and sheer artistry.