Claude Debussy Ballade 
Maurice Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales 
Ferenc Liszt Ballade no.2 in B minor, S.171 
Ferenc Liszt Mephisto Waltz no.1, S.514 
Interval 
Frédéric Chopin 4 Ballades 

Stephen Hough’s programme focuses on the waltz and ballade as seen by composers of the late 19th/early 20th century. The 8 pieces of Ravel’s suite are a modernistic reimagined look at the waltz, a kind of fragmented memory of a dance. By contrast, Liszt’s 4 Mephisto Waltzes are strongly narrative. They are based on the Faust legend and no.1 depicts the wedding at the village inn, a scene of wild exuberance, dancing and sensuality.  

In medieval times, French minstrels travelled the land singing their chanson-balladée, tales of knightly heroism, love and betrayal. The tradition went through transformations – in the Renaissance the ballade became a poetic form – but it was Chopin who took the idea instrumental. His 4 Ballades retain drama and story-telling but wordlessly, and they are among his greatest works. Stephen Hough has performed them around the world and recorded them to great acclaim. It will be a joy to hear him play them live for us.

Wheelchair Spaces
 

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.