The Concert

Two showcases of Bartók’s unbridled passion for Hungarian folk music, plus de Falla’s sun-drenched tale of love and deception. 

The Music

Bartók completed his Second Violin Concerto in 1938 during a period of unrest in Hungary – accordingly, the music has an urgent quality, with moments of heart-rending beauty. The rarely performed Five Hungarian Folksongs reflect his life-long dedication to the traditional music of his native Hungary.   

We move to Spain for de Falla’s breakthrough ballet, 1919’s The Three-Cornered Hat, with its sparkling melodies and dance rhythms.

The Performers

In one of several Artist Portrait concerts, the exuberant, captivating Patricia Kopatchinskaja embraces Bartók’s irrepressible concerto. Mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham joins for the composer’s suite of folk songs, while Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO bring on de Falla’s Spanish heat. 

It has marvellous, beautiful fairy-tale visions and stories in it. 
Patricia Kopatchinskaja on Bartók’s Violin Concerto No 2