Relayed from the National Museum of Wales

National Orchestra of Wales

Of this little orchestral piece, composed about ten years ago, Howells has said, 'Though written to an imaginary scene, it little matters what particular "picture" is in the listener's mind, so there be a picture. It would seem, however, that airy Puck takes strange and ill-sorted companions for the dance-perhaps a Falstaff among them?'
(to 12.45)

Relayed from the Assembly Room, City Hall
National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

The Governor of Boston has fallen in love with the wife of his friend and secretary
Renato, who swears to be revenged.
In this air Renato expresses, first, his anger and then his grief, as he thinks of the happiness that his false friend has destroyed.

Saint-Saens' Opera, Henry VIII, deals with the King's infatuation for Anne Boleyn.
The marriage ceremony gives opportunity for a Ballet Divertissement, which comes between the Second and Third Acts. The concert version of the Ballet Music includes four pieces.
I. Introduction. Entry of the Clans. The chief tune is a lilting air. It is followed by a March, begun by Oboes and Trumpets, and worked up by the Full Orchestra.
II. Scots Idyll. An Introduction chiefly for Strings, answered by Woodwind, leads to the Idyll, in which the Oboe gives out another tune of Scottish flavour, while Harps and 'Cellos suggest the Bagpipe's drone. A soulful melody next comes from the Violins. The Movement ends with another theme, gay in character.
III. Gipsy Dance. The Drum keeps up a rhythmic throbbing, while Violins and Cor Anglais announce the dashing dance theme. With Drum taps and punctuation by the Brass, the dance goes gaily along.
IV. Gigue and Finale. The Violins establish the jig, and Woodwind follow it up. A change of time brings a new Woodwind tune, and the Violins have a third, rather slower. The wind-up is immensely exhilarating, in true festival spirit.

(9.30 Local Announcements; Sports Bulletin)
(to 0.00)