Directed by Aleksi Barrière, the performance combines Peter Maxwell Davies’ “Eight Songs for a Mad King” and Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” – two masterpieces of the 20th century that, despite their recognition of the abyss of horror of their time, perceive the song of birds. Premiered in a German prisoner-of-war camp in 1941, “Quartet for the End of Time” tells of light in the midst of darkness and finds a dark mirror in the “Eight Songs for a Mad King,” where we immerse ourselves in the tragicomic fate of a prince who has lost his mind – or perhaps a king of prisoners? Barrière’s idea of bringing Messiaen’s composition alongside Davies’ work brings a more interesting and deeper, perhaps even more topical perspective to the pieces, which alternate in the concert.

The acclaimed interpreter of Davies’ work, baritone Holger Falk, performs as the soloist.

Dramatization by Aleksi Barrière and his artist collective
Étienne Exbrayat, light design

Holger Falk, baritone
Jukka Untamala, conductor
Jenny Villanen, flute
Olli Leppäniemi, clarinet
Eriikka Maalismaa, violin
Markus Hohti, cello
Kirill Kozlovski, piano
Xavi Castelló, percussion

Espoo Cathedral
Kirkkopuisto 5, 02770 Espoo

Program

Peter Maxwell Davies: Eight Songs for a Mad King Op. 39

Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time 

Davies: 1. The Sentry (King Prussia’s Minuet)
Messianen 1. Crystal liturgy
Davies: 2. The Country Walk (La Promenade)
Messianen: 2. Vocalise, for the Angel who announces the end of time
Davies: 3. The Lady-In-Waiting (Miss Musgrave’s Fancy) Transition
Messianen: 3. Abyss of birds
Davies: 4. To Be Sung on the Water (The Waterman)
Messianen: 4. Interlude
Davies: 5. The Phantom Queen (He’s Ay A-Kissing Me) Transition
Messianen: 5. Praise to the eternity of Jesus
Davies: 6. The Counterfeit (Le Conterfaite)
Messianen: 6. Dance of fury, for the seven trumpets
Davies: 7. Country Dance (Scotch Bonnett)
Messianen: 7. Tangle of rainbows, for the Angel who announces the end of time
Davies: 8. The Review (A Spanish March)
Messianen: 8. Praise to the immortality of Jesus