Music enchanted in the planets

Artists:

• Olga Pasiecznik – soprano
• Michał Nesterowicz – conductor
• The Łódź Philharmonic Choir (preparation: Artur Koza)
• The Łódź Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra

Program:

• Francis Poulenc – Gloria FP 177 [25']
• Gustav Holst – The Planets, Op. 32 [60']
  • “Mars, the Bringer of War”
  • “Venus, the Bringer of Peace”
  • “Mercury, the Winged Messenger”
  • “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity”
  • “Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age”
  • “Uranus, the Magician”
  • “Neptune, the Mystic”

Compere: Karol Furtak (The Polish Radio)

Gustav Holst (1874–1934) was interested in sanskrit literature, wrote music for military bands and preserved the melodies of folk songs. However, none of these things brought him his fame; he owes it to just one piece entitled “The Planets”. It was supposedly inspired by a random conversation about astrology. Every part bears the name of one of the planets of the Solar System. The first public performance of this work occurred in 1920 in London and instantly elevated Holst to the status of a prominent English composer. What is the secret of this piece? It may lie in the expressive contrasts and the diversity of moods, which Holst’s contemporaries attributed to the events of the First World War: the ominous Mars neighbours the tranquil Venus while the fast and agile Mercury contrasts with the massive, slow Jupiter. “The Planets” allude to the astrology of the far East and illustrate different emotional states of man. Before the listeners of this concert embark on the cosmic journey with Holst they will be witnesses to a no less interesting experience: “Gloria” by Francis Poulenc, a piece written for the lyrics of one of the parts of the mass. The composer utilizes various musical techniques and fluently moves between seriousness and frivolity. The solo part will be performed by the excellent soprano Olga Pasiecznik.

At 6:15 PM we invite you to the Henryk Czyż Chamber Hall for a pre-concert meeting led by Karol Furtak.

"The Planets" by Gustav Holst performed by the NDR Sinfonieorchester conducted by Andrew Manze:

top photo: Michał Nesterowicz, phot. Dariusz Kulesza