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Beethoven and Dussek

Academy of Ancient Music

,Barbican Hall
Richard Egarr and Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry joins AAM as it begins our Beethoven 250 anniversary celebrations with the complete incidental music for Goethe’s play Egmont.

Alongside Egmont, AAM perform the modern premiere of the Mass by his scandalous Czech contemporary Dussek. Recently rediscovered by the Academy of Ancient Music’s own music director Richard Egarr, and heard here for the first time since the 19th century, Dussek’s Mass throws fascinating new light on a musical pioneer whose expressive works anticipate the Romantic style of Chopin and Schumann.

While the Overture to Egmont has become a concert hall staple, it is relatively rare to have the chance to hear a performance of the complete incidental music. Beethoven lover Stephen Fry narrates this music into which the composer channelled his fury at Napolean’s tyrannical progress through Europe. It is an impassioned, heroically defiant musical expression of the triumph of freedom over oppression.

Tagged with: Classical music AAM 2019-20 Academy of Ancient Music 2019–20 multibuy More...

The performance is expected to finish around 9.30pm, including a 20 minute interval.

Programme

  • Beethoven   Egmont (complete)
  • Dussek   Mass in G

Performers

  • Academy of Ancient Music  
  • Richard Egarr   director
  • Stephen Fry   narrator
  • Choir of AAM  
  • Chen Reiss   soprano
  • Stefanie True   soprano
  • Helen Charlston   mezzo-soprano
  • Gwilym Bowen   tenor
  • Morgan Pearse   bass

Pre-concert talk

There will be a pre-concert talk at 6.30pm, free to all ticket holders.

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Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.