Part of the BBC Proms. Both Sibelius and Duparc stopped composing decades before their deaths - three in the Finn's case, five in the Frenchman's. The seven symphonies Sibelius left, however, securely place him among the greatest symphonists of the 20th century. Duparc left just 13 songs, yet each is a gem of textual subtlety and melodic inspiration; lustrous-toned Czech mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kozená sings her own selection. Ravel's pastoral ballet Daphnis et Chloé - commissioned by Diaghilev in 1909, the year he met Stravinsky - was based on an ancient erotic novel; the Second Suite begins with a sunrise and ends in an orgy. Approx finish time: 21:00. Broadcast Live on BBC Radio 3. There will be an interval.| 31 Aug 09 | Royal Albert Hall Inner London, Greater London Performance Details => Venue archive |
