Britten, Fauré & Dvořák // London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Simon Rattle

Innocence, experience and simply fabulous sounds. Sir Simon Rattle conducts a concert of music that showcases the LSO at its most dazzling, and its most delicate. Recorded live at the Barbican Hall on 18 May 2021 in COVID-secure conditions. This concert was our first appearance in the Barbican Hall since March 2020. 0:00 Introduction by Maxine Kwok and Sir Simon Rattle 3:18 Britten: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra 22:50 Fauré: Pelléas et Mélisande – Suite 39:10 Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op 46 Sir Simon Rattle: conductor London Symphony Orchestra Programme notes: Benjamin Britten knew that young listeners have high standards, and when he wrote The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra he let his imagination catch fire. The result is a brilliantly original showpiece for a great orchestra at the top of its game; a spectacular opening to a concert drenched in colour. So Sir Simon Rattle conducts Fauré’s haunting suite from Pelléas et Mélisande; music in soft pastels and deep shadows, written to accompany a tale of doomed love in a fairytale kingdom. And then he cuts loose with a selection of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances: sometimes wistful, sometimes uproarious, but always gloriously tuneful. Sir Simon simply adores this music, and you’ll hear why. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The concert was part of the LSO’s May and June 2021 series at the Barbican. You can watch excerpts of the season from January 2021 on demand on this playlist: #YouTubeSundays ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE LSO’S FUTURE The importance of music and the arts has never been more apparent than in recent months, as we’ve been inspired, comforted and entertained throughout this unprecedented period. As we emerge from the most challenging period of a generation, please consider supporting the LSO’s Always Playing Appeal to sustain the Orchestra, allow us to perform together again on stage and to continue sharing our music with the broadest range of people possible. Every donation will help to support the LSO’s future: Donate via YouTube: Click the button to the top right of the player. Text to donate: Text LSOAPPEAL 5 to 70085 to donate £5 Text LSOAPPEAL 10 to 70085 to donate £10 Text LSOAPPEAL 20 to 70085 to donate £20 Texts cost £5, £10 or £20 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text LSOAPPEALNOINFO 5, 10 or 20 to 70085. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The LSO’s return to work is supported by Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne and Dna Nudge. Generously supported by the Weston Culture Fund. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subscribe to the LSO’s channel: Subscribe to LSO newsletter: Follow the LSO on: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: Website: Apple Music: Spotify: