There are few more arresting openings in music than being pitched headlong into the intoxicating colours and frenetic bustle of the Russian Shrovetide fair. Petrushka is one hundred years old and has lost none of its power to thrill, shock and delight. Elliott Carter’s new work is the third in a trilogy of Aldeburgh commissions from the American centenarian, and typically Oliver Knussen frames it with two short works also from 2010 by young British composers. Bray and Grime both take their initial inspiration from poetry, and the works are united by a clarity of structure, fluid lyricism and a vivid brilliance of instrumental colour. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra website.| 26 Jun 11 | Snape Maltings Concert Hall Aldeburgh, Suffolk Performance Details => Venue archive |
