Romances by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergey Rachmaninov

The Novaya Opera theatre of Moscow presents two cycles of vocal and other compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, dedicated to the theatre’s founder, Evgeny Kolobov.

The first – “Autumn Song” – includes several of Tchaikovsky’s Songs, an extract from his choral work “Liturgy” (1879), a piece from his piano cycle “The Seasons” and part of “Variations on a Rococo Theme”. The music tells the story of the composer’s life from his youthful hopes to the bitter disappointments of maturity. It is a confession of a lonely soul.

The second cycle – “Lylac” – combines several of Rachmaninov’s songs, variations from his “Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini” and an early “Romance” for cello and piano. The composer’s personality is revealed here in a philosophical interpretation of God, life and death, the world of nature and tender love for Russia.