Pictorial England
Saturday, May 3, 2008 20:00
Dom Pedro V Theatre
30
Programme:
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings in F minor, op. 2
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958): String Quartet No. 2 in A minor
Edward Elgar (1857-1934): Piano Quintet in A minor, op. 84
This musical snapshot of early 20th century England features three of the nation's most eminent composers. Britten's chamber work for strings with oboe, an instrument he would favour throughout his career, was a breakthrough for the young composer, bringing him international attention at twenty years of age. The sombre mood of wartime England holds sway in Vaughan Williams' second string quartet, which also borrows themes from the composer's film scores. Elgar ends the programme on a brighter note with a work drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the area surrounding his countryside cottage.
Duration: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, without interval