A Musical Odyssey Through Time: Celebrating the Genius of Classical and Theatrical Melodies
Embark on an extraordinary musical journey with the Royal Academy of Music as they revisit the finest musical theatre songs, immortal piano masterpieces, and enchanting odes. From the vibrant stage of London's Susie Sainsbury Theatre to the hallowed acoustics of Wigmore Hall, experience the genius of composers like Purcell, Bach, and Chopin brought to life by esteemed performers and conductors. Join us as we delve into the intricate world of viol consorts and the whimsical narratives of semi-operas, celebrating the transformative power of music that transcends time and tradition.
The best and brightest musical theatre songs of the century so far. Devised and directed by Matt Ryan and conducted by Daniel Bowling, the creative team behind previous cabaret celebrations of the work of Kander & Ebb, Cy Coleman and Jerry Herman.
Bach’s Toccata acts as a gateway to Chopin’s remarkable cycle of preludes: 24 miniatures in all major and minor keys, a scheme inspired by Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier. Seen by many as his absolute masterpiece, the collection burns with Chopin’s private world of Intense moods and fierce colours.
Odes for special occasions frame this opening programme, from Purcell’s ‘From hardy climes and dangerous toils of war’, performed at the wedding of Prince George of Denmark and Princess Anne, to one of his finest and most wistfully beautiful odes, ‘Love’s goddess sure was blind’, written in 1692 for the birthday of Queen Mary. In between, we hear Locke’s ‘The Oxford Ode’, commissioned in 1672 for the annual degree ceremony at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre. These three odes are interspersed with fantasias for viol consort by Purcell and Locke that represent the pinnacle of a two-century-long musical tradition in England.
The exquisite and retrospective world of the viol consort seems far from the theatrical, dance-influenced violin music of the English and French courts.
This fantastical journey will include extracts from Purcell’s music for the stage and semi-operas exploring themes of love, magic, myth, authority, nature and transformation, weaving together narrative threads from The Fairy Queen, King Arthur and one of the first ever stage dramatisations of Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, which features Purcell’s last ever song setting: ‘From rosy bowers’.
The Royal Academy of Music's latest series of events is a testament to the enduring power and versatility of music. From the energetic world of musical theatre to the emotive depths of classical piano and the intricate beauty of baroque odes, these performances invite audiences to reflect on music's profound ability to inspire and connect. As we journey through time with these compositions, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of human creativity and its capacity to transcend boundaries, offering new perspectives and experiences through every note.
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