This October, the Hope Metropolitan Orchestra in Liverpool will perform a concert of music illustrating the diversity of old rural communities.
Imagine a village surrounded by deep countryside. At the centre is a church. Beyond are a couple of unmade roads, a tavern and a scattering of houses. Most people rise early to work on the land.
These are the pictures described in music by the Czech composer Dvořák and the Hungarians, Bartók and Kodály. There is a strong folk element, particularly of the lively dances which were such an important part of the workers’ leisure time. Vocal pieces follow traditional melodies whose origins date back centuries.
Dvořák takes a benign view of village life. Bartók and Kodály are much more realistic. While acknowledging the strengths of country customs, they point also to back-breaking work done in all weathers.
Many villages had a fiddle player and this concert highlights pieces for the violin, notably in the world premiere of More Imaginary Folksongs by Stephen Pratt, written for the orchestra’s leader, Leo Byrne.
Don’t miss what’s set to be an enchanting evening of live orchestral music as the Hope Metropolitan Orchestra invite you to “step back in time to a fast-vanishing world”.
‘Village Scenes’ will take place at The Great Hall on Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus on Saturday 28th October 2023 from 7.30pm. Tickets are available now via The Capstone Theatre Website.