Total Immersion: Pierre Boulez - The Second Piano Sonata
BBC SO Total Immersion: Pierre Boulez
Boulez’s shattering Second Piano Sonata, and two extraordinary works for solo clarinet, performed by the talented musicians of the Guildhall School and introduced by BBC Radio 3’s Kate Molleson.
Pierre Boulez made art without compromise. 'History as it is made by great composers is not a history of conservation, but of destruction - even while cherishing what is destroyed', he wrote, and in his explosive Second Piano Sonata of 1947-8 he set out to blast a path forward through the ruins of the western tradition. Few experiences in 20th century piano music are more visceral – or more bracing. And we’ll hear Boulez explore the clarinet and the amazing things it can do in Domaines (1961) and Dialogue de l’ombre double for clarinet and tape (1985) – written 24 years later.
Don’t be misled: this is music that’s small only in the physical sense; a thrilling reminder that as well as being a radical chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boulez was a creator who split the musical atom - and revelled in the energy it released.
This performance will finish at approximately 4.15pm.
Promoted by BBC Symphony Orchestra
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Ticket prices
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£5
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Subject to availability
50% off tickets for under-18s.
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Subject to availability.
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Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
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Total Immersion Day
Milton Court Concert Hall
Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.
Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH
Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street
Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available
View the Milton Court Accessibility Guide (PDF) or download the large print or audio formats.
If you have any access-related queries, or are planning to attend a performance and would like to discuss your access requirements in advance, please email the Guildhall Facilities Department or call 020 7628 2571 and ask to speak to the duty manager.
Accessible parking for Milton Court is available at Barbican Car Park 3