Pfingstfestspiele: François-Xavier Roth dirigiert Boulez, Andre, Poppe und Ravel

musica viva: François-Xavier Roth

Somber thoughts centering on death’s finality form the core of Iannis Xenakis’ Aïs: the wind instruments’ highly expressive sounds in the very first bars decidedly establish the overall emotional atmosphere, which subsequently materializes in Odysseus’ agonizing encounter with his deceased mother. Xenakis’ stirring ombra scene was commissioned by musica viva of the Bayerischer Rundfunk in 1980, and will now be performed once again by baritone Georg Nigl with François-Xavier Roth conducting. Additionally, Antoine Tamestit will perform the solo part in the world premiere of Francesco Filidei’s new Viola Concerto. The concert will also feature Elizabeth Ogonek, a New York-based composer whose iridescent sound frescoes have been described by the Chicago Tribune as “shimmering” and “dramatic.”