from Oannes *

Η παράσταση της όπερας ‘Βασιλιάς Πρίαμος’ του Sir Michael Tippett που είχα την τύχη να παρακολουθήσω στο Ηρώδειο στα middle ‘80s ήταν από τις ελάχιστες που έχουν δοθεί παγκόσμια. Άλλωστε η σπανιότητα των ζωντανών παρουσιάσεων ισχύει για το σύνολο του έργου του σημαντικού αυτού Άγγλου συνθέτη του 20ου αιώνα. Ένας λόγος είναι η δυσκολία της μουσικής, συγκριτικά μ’ εκείνην του Benjamin Britten για παράδειγμα, “ανταγωνιστή” και φίλου του. Ένας άλλος, η εξαιρετική πυκνότητα της πληροφορίας που χαρακτηρίζει τo έργο του Tippett, συμπεριλαμβανομένων “εξωμουσικών” επιρροών – λογοτεχνικών, ιστορικών και φιλοσοφικών αναφορών απ’ όλο τον κόσμο.
Ακούμε τα μέρη Adagio Molto & Tranquilo [00:00]και Presto Veloce [11:00]της εξαιρετικής Δεύτερης Συμφωνίας του.

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The performance of Sir Michael Tippett’s opera ‘King Priam’ I was fortunate to attend at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the middle ‘80s, was one of the few been given worldwide. Besides, the rarity of live performances applies to the entire work of this important English composer of the 20th century. One of the reasons is the music’s abstrusity, in comparison with the one of Benjamin Britten, for example, a “rival” and friend of his. Another one is the extraordinary density of information that characterizes his work, including “non-musical” influences – literary, historical and philosophical references from around the globe.
We hear the parts Adagio Molto & Tranquilo [00:00] and Presto Veloce [11:00] of his brilliant Second Symphony.

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Enjoy!

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As always, I’m happy to hear your thoughts, however I’d highly recommend a direct dialogue with the …’source’ [why comments are closed here], so please visit Oannes’ page where you can also listen to the music!

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* For my friends who didn’t know, or first timers here, Oannes [aka Socratis Papahatzis] is my husband, partner in life and music and the one with my undying admiration. Together we have a band MK-O [the music of Marina Kanavaki & Oannes]. So, it’s my pleasure to share with you his [and sometimes mine] musical selections. • Do visit his site. He has my highest recommendation!