The last of four programmes in which Roderic Dunnett explores operatic byways of eastern Europe.
Psychological Thrillers and Unlikely Heroes. Darker hues predominate in the east European opera of the early 20th century, encouraged by the Symbolist movement, which inspired such composers as Bartok and Janacek. The series ends with a look at more recent curiosities of Czech,
Hungarian and Polish opera. Family against family, individual against the state, and a May Day twist of sharp political satire to sugar the pill. Including excerpts from Kodaly's
Hary Janos , Krasa's Brundibar and Szymanowski's King Roger. Producer Fiona Shelmerdine