Symphonic Cycle of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Orchestra
A gift for our audience and the announcement of something extraordinary for the world of opera.
Farewell: an action, word, or expression of courtesy from one person to another when they part or when one of them leaves.
The departure of a loved one and managing the consequent frustration has been a subject in music throughout the centuries. Thus, it has become the perfect pretext for some great composers to write sublime moments in the repertoire.
Three Wagnerian examples present us with this proposed thread: the acceptance of King Marke’s betrayal by his nephew Tristan, the sleeping curse of Brünnhilde as punishment for Wotan’s marital disloyalty to Fricka, and, finally, the lament Isolde sings before Tristan’s corpse: an infinite death of love before the impossibility of consummating it on Earth.
The lament, as a lyrical-pathetic figure that dominated the history of opera, is a complaint against destiny due to adversity.
By externalizing a pain, relief is sought. It has been central to the emotional expression of opera. Music as a bridge to the disintegration of identity; art as an existential limit.
On the other hand, Vier letzte Lieder for soprano and orchestra was Richard Strauss's final composition. His compositional farewell at the age of 82. A sonic testament, but also the final chapter of post-romantic lyrical literature. Strauss didn’t live long enough to hear them. The premiere in London in 1950 was performed by Flagstad, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Wilhelm Furtwängler.
At the Liceu, we will have Josep Pons, a specialist in these repertoires, and two incomparable voices like Asmik Grigorian and Matthias Goerne.
The concert will be a unique opportunity to enjoy the magic of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss in a high-level artistic evening. Josep Pons will conduct the orchestra in an emotional journey that explores the fragility of the human being in the face of loss and transcendence, with performances by soprano Asmik Grigorian and baritone Matthias Goerne, two iconic figures who will move the audience with a repertoire including the Liebestod and Lament of King Marke from Tristan und Isolde; Wotan's Farewell from Die Walküre and Vier letzte Lieder, the last composition of Richard Strauss. A sonic gift for opera lovers.
With the support of:
- Director
- Josep Pons
- Symphonic Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
Cast change
- Soprano Asmik Grigorian will headline the concert on Wednesday, July 2, alongside baritone Matthias Goerne, in place of Lise Davidsen. The Norwegian soprano had to cancel her participation in the concert after announcing her pregnancy and that she will give birth in June.
Program
R. Strauss
Vier letzte Lieder
R. Wagner
Liebestod (Tristan und Isolde, acte III)
Lament del Rei Marke (Tristan und Isolde, acte II)
Comiat de Wotan (Die Walküre, acte III)