A double bill of ‘Songs and Dances of Death’ by Mussorgsky and ‘Kindertotenlieder’ by Mahler: part of NI Opera’s new ‘Salon Series’.
While the themes of both works are macabre and dark: the music is magnificent and this will be a spectacular performance staged in the Playhouse, Derry in October 2023 and Downstairs at The MAC in March 2024
Mezzo-soprano Margaret Bridge and pianist Tristan Russcher perform a staged version of Mahler’s beautiful ‘Kindertotenlieder‘ (Songs on the Death of Children), a set of five songs based around the work of the poet Rückert written after the death of his two of his children. These songs explore the feelings and processes of grief.
Baritone Brendan Collins and pianist Tristan Russcher perform Mussorgsky’s masterpiece, staged in the round. ‘Songs and Dances of Death‘ is a set of four songs: ‘Lullaby’, ‘Serenade’ ‘Trepak’ and ‘Field Marshall’, each telling a story where Death is personified, appearing to four different people on the cusp of life and death.
Watch a clip from ‘Kindertotenlieder’ performed by mezzo Margaret Bridge and pianist Tristan Russcher here:
This event is part of NI Opera’s new Salon Series: six one act productions featuring opera, art song, cabaret and music theatre, which will be performed in spectacular locations around Northern Ireland.
- Running time: approximately 1 hr.
- Free programmes and translations available.
Find out what our audience thought of ‘Songs and Dances of Death’ & ‘Kindertotenlieder’ here.
Click into the gallery to see more images. Photo credit Michael Burch and NI Opera
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