MCO’s A Little Night Music can be heard in 7 regional tour dates, and in Melbourne on Friday 20 November at The Deakin Edge, Federation Square and Sunday 22 November at Melbourne Recital Centre.
MCO: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is one of the most recognisable works of classical
music. What do you think makes it so great and what should be audience listen for in it?
LD: Eine Kleine is as fresh today as when it was written. To begin with, the key of G major is so energetic, such a happy key, but there is something youthful about this work — the first movement is effortlessly exuberant, full of bravura, virtuosic and excited. The second movement Romanze is impetuous. This is not old, gentle love but young love; always turning this way and that in new directions. The final movement is equally exuberant though more light footed than the first.
MCO: There’s also a completely new work on the program — Nicholas Buc’s A Little Night Music. Can you tell us a bit about what to expect from this piece, and also how do you approach directing a completely new work?
LD: It’s always great having a living composer to work with! To hear their thoughts, responses, where the music takes them and importantly to be inspired by a creative mind. Nick writes beautifully for strings, the perfect blend of lushness, fervour and spunk!
MCO: The highlights of this program for you?
LD: Many! Working with the fabulous Michael Dahlenburg — such a brilliant cellist, sensitive musician — he makes the perfect soloist. I love performing and discovering new works, so it is great to perform Nick’s work. It’s also wonderful to have a chance to rehearse Eine Kleine! So often we only have a chance to just play it through — rehearsing it is such a luxury.