Masterpieces Performed by NHK Symphony Orchestra

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August 7, 2022

3Episodes

The seventh in the series of Masterpieces Performed by NHK Symphony Orchestra kicks off with a brand-new performance recorded in May 2022. Conducted by Fabio Luisi, who just began his official tenure as chief conductor, it is one of the pieces performed at the memorial concert commemorating the anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan after 50 years under American administration. It is our hope that this musical message from Okinawa by Luisi and the NHKSO will resonate around the world still mired in war and strife. Next, Tugan Sokhiev makes a first-time appearance in this series with this 2019 magical baton-work. Then the series concludes with a historical 2002 performance by Wolfgang Sawallisch, who is credited to have created the NHKSO's distinctive sound. In each of the introductory segments, NHK WORLD-JAPAN presenter Yamamoto Miki and music critic Katayama Morihide highlight the relevant details of each performance. Revel in the featured concerts of this summer special.

Episodes

1. Fabio Luisi: Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35

August 7, 2022

49 min

Here we present Scheherazade, symphonic suite, Op. 35, by Russian Romantic composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in this sneak-peak performance prior to his official assumption of his post as chief conductor. Included is a brief interview with the maestro in which he reveals that during the last two-three years, he has come to reflect more and more on the meaning and significance of art and music in today's world. Enjoy the latest collaboration of Maestro Luisi and the NHK Symphony Orchestra from their performance in Okinawa this May.

Guest Stars:

Fuminori Maro Shinozaki, Fabio Luisi

Tugan Sokhiev: Berlioz, Harold en Italie, Symphony, Op. 16

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2. Tugan Sokhiev: Berlioz, Harold en Italie, Symphony, Op. 16

August 13, 2022

49 min

This piece by Hector Berlioz, Harold en Italie (“Harold in Italy”), symphony, Op. 16, is his symphony with a viola solo. In this performance, the solo is played by Ryo Sasaki, principal violist for the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Berlioz saw great possibilities for individual instruments to express human feelings. He believed that he could create the dramatic operatic atmosphere by composing heart-rendering monologues for instruments without relying on opera singers. Be mesmerized by the drama produced by the no-holds-barred collaboration of Sokhiev, NHK Symphony Orchestra and Ryo Sasaki.

Guest Stars:

Fuminori Maro Shinozaki, Tugan Sokhiev, Ryo Sasaki

3. Wolfgang Sawallisch: Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Symphonic Poem, Op. 40

August 20, 2022

49 min

The last in this summer series is the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Sawallisch's 2002 performance of Ein Heldenleben, symphonic poem, Op. 40, by Richard Strauss (“A Hero's Life”). Marvel at Sawallisch's unflagging passion for music as he conducts the orchestra just before his 80th birthday.

Guest Stars:

Fuminori Maro Shinozaki, Wolfgang Sawallisch

VII

Episodes

1. Fabio Luisi: Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35

Other Seasons

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2. Tugan Sokhiev: Berlioz, Harold en Italie, Symphony, Op. 16

3. Wolfgang Sawallisch: Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Symphonic Poem, Op. 40

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