Basingstoke: Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Beatrice Rana

Programme

The Philharmonia pulls out all the stops for a high-energy programme led by its Principal Conductor, Santtu-Matias Rouvali.  

Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, famous for its fiendishly demanding solo passages, has rightfully earned its place as a firm audience favourite. The composer himself admitted before the piece’s premiere: “My Third Concerto has turned out to be devilishly difficult”. The athletic demands of the soloist, paired with its soaring, lush melodies, makes this one of Prokofiev’s greatest masterpieces.  

And we’re in good hands too: described as “one of the most insightful and prodigiously gifted artists of the new generation” (The New York Times), Prokofiev’s fiery concerto gives Beatrice Rana the chance to show off her dazzling technique.   

Lemminkäinen is the colourful hero of the Kalevala, an epic of Finnish folklore. He makes an ideal subject for Sibelius, a leading light in the movement for Finnish independence. Sibelius chose four contrasting legends for this suite – our hero seduces 1000 brides before their menfolk chase him off; an unearthly cor anglais solo depicts the swan who guards Tuonela, the island of the dead; Lemminkäinen is killed by his nemesis but restored to life by his own mother; then the final movement traces his triumphant return from his adventures.   

The starter of this musical feast is Stravinsky’s Jeu de cartes. Meaning ‘game of cards’, it’s a short, witty ballet inspired by the composer’s love for poker.