CSO | Dangerous Liaisons

Strauss: Don Juan, Op.20
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43
Salina Fisher (NZ): Murmuring Light
Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, Op.32

Shiyeon Sung Conductor
Michael Endres Piano

Much of Richard Strauss’ music took inspiration from some of literature’s illustrious characters. In this tone poem, Strauss drew upon the tale of the fictitious Don Juan, whose romantic adventures, his larger-than-life energy, and his disregard for societal norms made him the hero-villain of various plays, novels, and poems.

Its recurring dominant musical themes, its changeable moods, incredible orchestration, shocking eroticism and ultra-modern musical style all contribute to a swashbuckling romp that outraged Strauss’s contemporaries.

Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini pays homage to the extraordinary 19th century virtuosi violinist, Nicolo Paganini, through its own pianistic fireworks. The CSO is joined by celebrated pianist Michael Endres to perform this dazzling masterpiece.

Salina Fisher is a New Zealand composer and violinist whose compositions delve into the musical traditions of Japan and New Zealand, with a particular emphasis on timbre and colour. In Murmuring Light, the delicate balance between the individual and the group is enhanced and distorted in an unbroken transference of radiance.

Francesca da Rimini, Tchaikovsky’s tempestuous symphonic tone poem, begins at the entrance to Hell and details Dante’s story of two adulterous lovers, punished with eternal damnation.