Romeo and Juliet
Prokofiev and Poulenc with conductor Tabita Berglund and the charismatic Jussen brothers.
The Jussen brothers made a splash at Konserthuset in 2023 when they debuted with a program for four-handed piano. "Something quite extraordinary in front of a packed hall with an unusually young audience," wrote the reviewer for Dagens Nyheter, giving the concert the highest rating.
Now, the Jussen brothers return to the main stage, this time alongside the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Tabita Berglund in Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos. It’s music that carries Poulenc's signature: elegance, melodic warmth, and imagination.
The pair of Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's drama are themselves the epitome of young love and intense, flaming passion with a tragic ending. With powerful chords and dramatic melodies, Prokofiev's well-known ballet music portrays the swirling emotions.
Between Poulenc and Prokofiev: Lili Boulanger's D'un soir triste, a sad evening, which from a quiet beginning grows strong and compelling. Outstanding and deeply personal music by the young and severely ill Lili, who died of Crohn's disease shortly after writing the music in 1918.
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The music
Approximate times -
Francis Poulenc Concerto for two pianos and orchestra19 min
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Intermission25 min
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Lili Boulanger D’un soir triste11 min
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Sergej Prokofjev From Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 1-343 min
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Participants
- Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
- Tabita Berglund conductor
- Lucas & Arthur Jussen piano