In today’s concert from the 2010 BBC Proms, we’ll be enjoying music that’s been inspired by classic works of literature, as well as having a Russian flair to them as well.
Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet, has been described as his first masterpiece. Based on the famous Shakespeare play about the ill fated star crossed lovers, it contains one of the most famous love themes in classical music.

While Tchaikovsky set an English playwright’s work to music, the Czech composer Janáček turned to the Russians for his inspiration. Janáček loved Russian novels, setting many to music, and in today’s Prom we’ll be hearing his Rhapsody for Orchestra "Taras Bulba", based on the short story by Gogol about the rousing 17th century Cossack hero.

World Service Broadcast:

Tchaikovsky: Fantasy Overture "Romeo and Juliet"

Janáček: Taras Bulba

European Union Youth Orchestra

Conductor: Matthias Bamert

The Prom is presented by Fiona Talkington with her guest, the composer Errollyn Wallen.

Illustration: European Union Youth Orchestra, courtesy of Photoshot Show less