Koreaans Nationaal Symfonieorkest - Romantisch programma

Bel canto

Bellini's aria Casta Diva is exemplary of the bel canto, which was so popular with opera composers in the nineteenth century. It really makes the voice shine. In this aria, you hear Norma, a Druid princess, the goddess of the moon, praying for peace and tranquillity for those around her. She hopes to find the strength to resolve her inner conflict. The long flowing lines of the melody require incredible control and expressive nuance. Star soprano Sumi Jo will then perform two other virtuoso arias.

Well-known melodies

The instrumental repertoire on this evening also includes beautiful melodies, such as in the Overture from Mozart's The Magic Flute and in the Rococo Variations for cello and orchestra by Tchaikovsky, performed tonight by the young cello virtuoso Jaemin Han. Schumann's Fourth Symphony has a dramatic structure in which melodic lines keep recurring but are played by different instruments. A story slowly unfolds. The opening movement sets a dramatic tone with its dark and brooding themes. In contrast, the following movements explore a range of emotions, from the lyrical romance to the spirited and energetic Scherzo. A triumphant outcome follows in the finale.