And everywhere there are fatal passions... in Saint Petersburg, State Academic Chapel

The concert «And Fatal Passions Everywhere...» at the State Academic Capella offers a unique immersion into the world of Russian musical and theatrical classics and film music. The program, created by musicologist L. Popkova, includes works reflecting a wide range of human emotions and experiences: love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, kindness and deceit.

The first part of the concert is dedicated to the music for William Shakespeare's tragedy «King Lear». Composers rarely turned to this work because of its complexity and the grandeur of its characters. However, the music by M. A. Balakirev, created for the production at the Alexandrinsky Theater, stands out among European works of the 19th century. The young composer endowed music with the role of the most important element of the drama, embodying in it the eternal vicissitudes of life. The central image of Lear, whose tragic fate is reflected in the large-scale overture, became the central one in the score. In addition to the overture, Balakirev wrote four symphonic intermissions and the «Procession», which, despite the fact that they were not performed on stage, took a worthy place in the composer's legacy.

The 20th century brought new interpretations of «King Lear». Particularly notable are the operas of A. Raiman and S. Slonimsky, as well as D. Shostakovich's music for the film and G. Kozintsev's play. In 1958, Aram Khachaturian created his own version for production at the Mossovet Theater, where the music, rich in orchestral nuances, enhanced the drama of the stage action.

The second part is dedicated to D. Shostakovich's music for A. Faintsimmer's film «The Gadfly», which became the leader of Soviet film distribution in 1955. The music, free from ideological canons, reflects the spiritual quest of the heroes and the atmosphere of Italy at the end of the 19th century. Shostakovich's suite, marked by sincerity and bright melody, deeply touches listeners of all ages.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this unique concert. Buy tickets on our website now. Immerse yourself in the world of great music and dramatic passions!