The Rite of Spring, Alan Loader & Marina Korneva (piano duo)

The concert began with Debussy’s ‘Six Épigraphes antiques’, evocative pieces based on Greek modes with oriental touches. Then came a short film with clips of Stravinsky commenting on and conducting fragments of ‘The Rite of Spring’. This landmark work no longer shocks as it did at its première, 100 years ago today, but it can still excite and delight us. The orchestral version is now quite familiar but the challenging piano duet is rare. There’s just nowhere to hide in those repeating percussive phrases as the hands, arms and even fingers entwine. This electrifying performance was both intimate and invigorating.

Friends’ Meeting House, 29 May 2013

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