Best of Music Alive 2020
Each year RNZ Concert records orchestras, choirs, chamber musicians and more, performing traditional and new music from around the world for the programme Music Alive. Here are our highlights from 2020.
Playlist
The Five Million
John Psathas
This is the world premiere of a fanfare to celebrate returning to the concert hall after lockdown. Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Auckland Town Hall.
Festive Overture
Shostakovich
An absolute firecracker to open the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's 2020 season.
Prélude à L’après-midi d’une faune
Debussy
With its famous opening arabesques on the flute, it is one of Debussy’s most famous works, and is considered a turning point in the history of music. Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Giordano Bellincampi.
Introduction And Allegro
Ravel
A display piece for the newly invented double-action pedal harp in 1905. Performed by members of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
September, from Four Last Songs
Strauss
In his final composition, Richard Strauss offers an exquisitely beautiful, resigned acceptance of death. Performed by Eliza Boom and Somi Kim.
Kintsugi
Salina Fisher
Kintsugi is the Japanese tradition of repairing broken pottery with gold dust. In her piece Salina Fisher explores fragmentation, fragility, mending, and finding beauty in the cracks. Performed by NZTrio.
Piano Trio in A minor
Ravel
Ravel’s rhapsody to his native Basque country includes a basque dance called the zortzico for the rhythm that opens the work. Performed by NZTrio.
Goldberg Variations (selection)
Bach
A special arrangement by Sitkovetsky/Breuer performed by members of the NZSO during pandemic restrictions in July.
Si, mi chiamano Mimi, from La Bohème
Puccini
Eliza Boom sings with the NZSO in Wellington.
Symphony No 5
Sibelius
New Zealand conductor Gemma New makes her public debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.