Sinfonia Viva at Derby Cathedral

About the Event

This event is promoted by Sinfona Viva, Derby LIVE are pleased to act as a ticket agent.

Ravel: String Quartet in F major (arr. Graham Hall)

Mahler: Symphony No.1 in D major (arr. Graham Hall)

Conducted by Principal Conductor Duncan Ward, Sinfonia Viva returns to Derby Cathedral to perform two works which have been specially arranged for this concert by the Orchestra's Graham Hall.

Sharing a basic structure with the earlier String Quartet by Debussy but espousing the latter’s style choices, Ravel’s String Quartet of 1904 was dedicated to his teacher and friend Fauré. Debussy encouraged Ravel’s effort and admired the outcome. Fauré attended the premiere but, like many music critics, was not thrilled by it and initial opinion was divided with some finding it illogical and others imitative. However, Ravel’s reputation – with the Pavane pour une infante défunte and Sheherazade premiered the same year – was firmly established and the String Quartet blossomed, rapidly gaining fans and a place in the established repertoire.

Mahler’s ground-breaking Symphony No.1 dates from 1887-8 and includes elements from several earlier compositions. When premiered, initially the work did not go down well and Mahler set it aside for some time before returning to it. His changes included removing an additional movement called Blumine or ‘flower piece’ but retaining fascinating melodic references to several of his earlier works including his song cycle Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. Its new approach stands now as an impressive statement by Mahler and a fresh, surprising redefinition of the symphony - an intriguing listening experience.

Join Sinfonia Viva for a fresh, new look at two highly-regarded works in the delightful environment of Derby Cathedral.

Supported by Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council, Derby LIVE, Derby Cathedral and Orchestras Live. Sinfonia Viva is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.