program
The Poem of Ecstasy
Laterna Magica
Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy Op. 54.
performances
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Event Description
Two superstars of classical music, violin virtuoso Nikolaj Znaider and conductor Susanna Mälkki, join forces to present Tchaikovsky's monumental Violin Concerto. Experience Mälkki’s "charismatic and dynamic podium presence" (Chicago Classical Review) and "the glowing tone" (The New York Times) of Znaider in a concert also featuring Scriabin's wonderfully mystical The Poem of Ecstasy.
At a Glance
TCHAIKOVSKY
Violin Concerto in D major 1878 | 33 mins
Soloist Nikolaj Znaider makes his entrance in this firecracker of a concerto after a gracious and suspense-building orchestral introduction. The first movement is remarkably virtuosic while the second movement is melodically inspired. Tchaikovsky’s finale sounds like an urban, cultured picture of country.
KAIJA SAARIAHO
Laterna Magica (The Magic Lantern) 2008 | 20 mins
Kaija Saariaho’s Laterna Magica borrows its title from pioneering film director Ingmar Bergman’s autobiography, which he titled after an old name for an image projector. Saariaho sensed a parallel between the manipulation of projected images and how music, unfolding in real time in performance, is perceived by the listener.
SCRIABIN
The Poem of Ecstasy 1907 | 22 mins
The operative word here is “ecstasy.” We might listen to this piece as a constantly unfolding rhapsodic effusion of motifs, titillating textures, and exorbitantly rich colors. “When you listen to Ecstasy,” Scriabin said, “look straight into the eye of the sun!”
JEANETTE YU is Director of Publications at the San Francisco Symphony.
Concert Extras
Inside Music, an informative talk by Elizabeth Seitz, begins one hour prior to concerts. Free to ticketholders. Learn More.
The Prelude Series: A Pre-Concert Discussion
An engaging new way to enhance your classical music experience at Davies Symphony Hall. Join us 45 minutes before the performance in the First Tier Lobby to take part in a free pre-concert discussion. Discussion topic: Seeing Sound. Learn More.
