Stravinsky’s masterpiece “The Rite of Spring” was given its first performance in the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris on May 29th, 1913 – the scandal during the première, the shock wave that went through the Parisian audience in response to the unpredictable, intensely rhythmical music and the appalled reaction to the wild and primitive ballet scenes have since given way to the status of an iconic work. 100 years after its composition, this intense work has lost nothing of its force, even if we are no longer frightened by the atonal movements and shifts that are its hallmarks. Bartók died before he could finish his Third Piano Concerto. Fortunately, he left enough notes behind for it to be finished for him. With many allusions to Hungarian folk music and the optimistic and complex ending, Bartók’s last work exudes his love for his homeland.

Flagey '75', Brussels Philharmonic, Ars Musica, Jeugd en Muziek Brussel