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Persymphans. “Ocean of Sounds”: lecture-concert
Running time:
2 parts by 45 minutes
6+

Рrogramme:

Eisler
14 Ways Of Describing Rain, ор. 70 (1929)

Mendelssohn
“Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt”, Op. 27

Druckman
“Reflections on the Nature of Water” (1986), for solo marimba

Takemitsu
“Rain Tree”, for three percussion instruments


15 March 2020 Sunday 15.00 Chamber hall
15.00 Chamber hall

Persymphans. “Ocean of Sounds”:
lecture-concert

The concept of the concert is pretty simple: pieces that refer to water and together form some kind of “ocean of sounds”. 19th century oeuvres alternate with contemporary pieces. The music of different times and different styles is inspired by eternal beauty of nature. “Glory to Art!”, Persymphans exclaims. 

Modern Persymphans, recreated in 2008 by pianist and composer Pyotr Aidou, is a hair to the legendary conductor-free ensemble of Mossovet (then the City Council). The name Persymphans is kind of a usual Soviet-style abbreviation of Perviy Symphonicheskiy Ansambl’ (First Symphoniс Ensemble). The original Persymphans was founded in just a couple of years after the October Revolution, and it’s main idea perfectly matched the innovative ideas of the time: liberty, equality, fraternity. That’s why the lack of conductor is the keystone of the orchestra, and that’s why Persymphans is still considered as one of the most avant-garde bands of all times.

Persimfans XXI is not an exact copy of that of 1920’s, but it does follow the predecessor’s steps: no conductor’s monocracy, the band as a collective leader, and that bizzare sitting in circle, face to face to each other, so that musicians have visual contact with each other. 

The 20th Persimfans began with well-known symphony music, but soon the orchestra began adding Russin and foreign contemporary pieces to its set-lst. Lev Tseitlin, famous violinist and Moscow conservatory professor, worked in Paris, where even met Debussy. In “Nocturnes” there are parts stricken with the consent of the author! 

As for Petr Aidu, he is a grandson of one of the musician of that legendary orchestra. So he is a keeper of the flame! 

Education of its audience is an important part of the orchestra’s activity. The first Persimfans even gave questionnaires to its listeners about their preferences, and in order to get feedback. It even published its own magazine. And the contemporary Persimfans organizes lectures, during which its musicians and invited musicologists talk to the audience.