BBC Proms - 2009 - Prom 27 - Harrison Birtwistle celebration

From the Royal Albert Hall, London. Presented by Verity Sharp. The London Sinfonietta and Harrison Birtwistle have formed a close bond over the last four decades. Under the baton of their co-founder David Atherton, Sinfonietta revisit three of the composer's early works - all of which the ensemble originally premiered. One of the themes of this year's season is 1934, England at the Crossroads, the year Birtwistle was born, and a turning point for British music in the 20th century. Verses for Ensemble showcases the virtuosity of the ensemble with brass, wind and percussion all vying for the listener's attention. In Silbury Air and Carmen arcadiae mechanicae perpetuum, Birtwistle explores the mysterious and the mechanical with imaginary landscapes and colliding musical ideas. London Sinfonietta David Atherton (conductor) Harrison Birtwistle: Carmen arcadiae mechanicae perpetuum; Silbury Air; Verses for Ensembles.