Relayed from the National Museum of Wales
National Orchestra of Wales
The Overture to Coriolanus has often been described in The Radio Times. It will be sufficient to remind hearers that though it was not written for Shakespeare's tragedy, it is possible that (as Wagner thought) the composer had in mind when writing it the scene in that play in which Coriolanus yields to the prayers of his wife and mother, and refuses to besiege his native city, from which he has been banished. For this his allies condemn him to death. The two chief melodies employed might well stand, the first for the hero and the gentler second for the women. On the other hand, the themes might be considered as suggesting two sides of the personality of Coriolanus.
At the end the opening melody is heard in faltering, weakened tones, and we realise the tragedy of the hero's death.
Lalo (1823-92), the French violinist-composer, wrote some successful Ballets, as well as his well-known Spanish Rhapsody and this Rhapsody. The work began as a Norwegian Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra. Later, Lalo arranged it for Orchestra alone, and added a second, much livelier, section.
The tunes are not actual folk melodies, but are modelled on popular Norwegian airs.
George Butterworth, who was killed in the war, left us some fragrant music. Two song-cycles and an orchestral Rhapsody are founded on A. E. Housman's cycle of poems, A Shropshire Lad. The orchestral work is based on the poem beginning-
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
(to 12.45)
