Stories in Symphony: Prokofiev, Dvorák & Janácek

Sir Mark Elder, conductor

PROKOFIEV: Symphony No. 7 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131
DVORÁK: The Wood Dove, Op. 110
JANÁCEK: Taras Bulba; Rhapsody after Gogol

Sir Mark Elder, one of Britain’s most distinguished conductors, leads a dramatic program pairing Prokofiev’s luminous final symphony with powerful Czech tone poems by Dvorák and Janácek.

Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7, written in 1952 for Soviet Radio, was conceived for young audiences yet reveals profound nostalgia and tenderness. Its graceful melodies and transparent textures recall the innocence of Peter and the Wolf, reframed through the wisdom of age. Closing with a quiet, deeply moving farewell, the symphony stands as Prokofiev’s last masterpiece – a poetic reflection on childhood and memory.

Dvorák’s The Wood Dove tells a haunting story of guilt and redemption: a woman who poisons her husband is tormented by the cooing of a dove on his grave until she meets her tragic fate. Dvorák’s love of birds and the Bohemian countryside infuses the work with striking authenticity and emotional depth.

Janácek’s Taras Bulba, based on Gogol’s epic tale of heroism and sacrifice, unfolds as a vivid orchestral drama. Propelled by Janácek’s unmistakable rhythmic energy, its three scenes – betrayal, execution, and prophecy – paint a searing portrait of courage and loss.

Together, these works reveal Slavic storytelling in all its power – lyrical, dramatic, and deeply human.