Relayed from the National Museum of Wales

National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)

(to 14.00)

(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

This early work of Wagner's belongs to the same period as the opera Die Fern, of which the Overture was broadcast at the beginning of this month. Wagner, a fiery youngster of only twenty-one, was Director of Music in the Theatre at Magdeburg, and this Overture was written for one of the plays produced there; it was played at a concert under Wagner's own direction. As listeners may hear for themselves, it is very unlike the later music of his with which we are all more familiar. It was played, however, at a good many places, and after a performance in Paris, in 1841, six years after its first appearance, the score and parts were lost for some years; they were eventually found again in Paris.

Gwladys Trevor Williams (Soprano) and Orchestra

This charming little song comes from the last act of Mozart's Opera, The Marriage of Figaro. The Countess and her maid, Susanna, have laid a little plot to expose the Count, and Susanna is dressed in one of her mistress' robes. The action takes place in the grounds of the manor house, and the Count has led his own lady, thinking her to be Susanna, to a secluded spot. Then Susanna sings this little song, to one of Mozart's most irresistible melodies, but with rather absurdly exaggerated sentiment.

Frank Thomas (Violin); Ronald Harding (Violoncello); Hubert Pengelly (Pianoforte)
(to 23.00)