In Florence, on November 28, 1632, Gianbattista Lulli was born, who after settling in Paris, would become Jean-Baptiste Lullydespotic director of musical life in the times of Louis XIV and, without a doubt, the most extraordinary composer of the French Middle Baroque. In addition, he created “lyrical tragedy”, a genre of French opera that was characterized by complex staging, as well as ballet and the use of profound literary texts.
We invite you to listen to the ‘Passacaglia’ from the 5th act of his opera Armidaby tenor Cyril Auvity together with Les Arts Florissants, all under the direction of William Christie.
Furthermore, on November 28 of the following years
1811 in Leipzig, far from the Vienna in which it was written, the Concerto No. 5 for piano and orchestra of Beethoven, the famous Emperor’s Concert
1829 in a small Jewish town, northwest of Odessa, is born Anton Rubinsteincomposer, conductor and notable pianist, for many, the only one who could compete with Franz Franz Liszt on an equal footing.
1865 in Zürich, Brahms premieres the Trio for horn, violin and piano in E flat major, op.40 and thus adds a new work to advance the formation of the most notable corpus of romantic chamber music.
1909 At the New Theater in New York, Rachmaninov makes history and, under the direction of Walter Damrosch, premieres his beautiful and extremely difficult third concerto for piano and orchestra.
1983 An event of greater relevance takes place in Paris: Olivier Messiaen premieres San Francisco de Asíshis only opera, composed between 1795 and 1983.
**Person:** Maestro Davies, **Action:** Discuss, **Answer:** the technical virtuosity and emotional power of Rachmaninoff’s *Third Piano Concerto*
## Musical Milestones: An Interview Commemorating November 28th in Music History
**Intro**
Welcome to World Today News, where we explore the cultural landscape of our world. Today, we celebrate November 28th, a date etched in musical history with significant anniversaries and milestones. Joining us are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Elena Ramirez:** A renowned musicologist specializing in the Baroque period.
* **Maestro Mark Davies:** A celebrated conductor and pianist with a deep understanding of Romantic and 20th-century repertoire.
Thank you for joining us! Let’s delve into this fascinating journey through music.
**Section 1: A Baroque Master is Born**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ramirez, let’s begin with the 390th anniversary of Jean-Baptiste Lully’s birth. He’s best known for shaping French opera, a unique genre with its own distinct characteristics. Can you elaborate on Lully’s contributions and the genesis of “lyrical tragedy”?
**Dr. Ramirez:**
(Dr. Ramirez discusses Lully’s innovative approach to opera, emphasizing his fusion of music, dance, and staging, culminating in the creation of “lyrical tragedy”. She may discuss his influence on French music and court culture and touch upon the controversy surrounding his strict control over musical life.)
**Interviewer:** What makes Lully’s “Passacaglia” from *Armida* so compelling, and how does it exemplify the hallmarks of his music?
(The interviewer plays a brief excerpt from Cyril Auvity’s performance.)
**Dr. Ramirez:**
(Dr. Ramirez analyzes the “Passacaglia”, highlighting its dramatic intensity, complex harmonic structure, and Lully’s skillful use of ornamentation.)
**Section 2: The Romantic Spirit and the Evocation of Nature**
**Interviewer:** Maestro Davies, November 28th also saw the premiere of Brahms’s *Trio for horn, violin, and piano*, a cornerstone of Romantic chamber music. How does Brahms’s work reflect the Romantic sensibility?
**Maestro Davies:**
(Maestro Davies discusses the emotional depth, rich harmonies, and complex textures typical of Brahms’s Romantic style. He might also analyze the specific interplay of the horn, violin, and piano, highlighting the intimacy and conversational nature of chamber music.)
**Interviewer: **Speaking of Romantic brilliance, we can’t forget Rachmaninoff’s monumental *Third Piano Concerto*. Its premiere on this day in 1909 was a historic event. Can you share your perspective on this masterpiece and its enduring popularity?
**Maestro Davies:**
(Maestro Davies discusses the technical virtuosity, soaring melodies, and emotional power of the concerto. He might touch upon the challenges it presents to performers and its enduring appeal to audiences.)
**Section 3: From Classical Giants to Modern Masters**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ramirez, Beethoven’s *Emperor Concerto* premiered in Leipzig in 1811. Can you offer insights into this iconic work and its broader context within Beethoven’s oeuvre?
**Dr. Ramirez:**
(Dr. Ramirez discusses the grandeur and nobility of the *Emperor Concerto*, highlighting its expressive range and innovative use of orchestral sonorities. She might also place it within the context of Beethoven’s evolving symphonic style and his transitional role between the Classical and Romantic eras.)
**Interviewer:** Maestro Davies, Oliver Messiaen’s opera *Saint Francis of Assisi* premiered in Paris in 1983. This work occupies a unique place in 20th-century opera. How did Messiaen’s unique musical language and deeply religious convictions shape this ambitious creation?
**Maestro Davies:**
(Maestro Davies delves into Messiaen’s distinctive compositional techniques, such as his use of bird song and complex rhythmic structures, and how these elements contribute to the spiritual dimension of *Saint Francis of Assisi*.)
**Section 4: Reflections and Looking Forward**
**Interviewer:** As we conclude this exploration of November 28th in music history, can both of you offer your final thoughts on the enduring power of these musical milestones?
**(
Both guests reflect on the significance of these composers and their enduring legacies, perhaps discussing their influence on subsequent generations and the timeless qualities that make their music resonate with audiences today.)
**Outro:**Thank you, Dr. Ramirez and Maestro Davies, for this insightful conversation. We hope our listeners have enjoyed this journey through musical history. Join us again next time on World Today News as we delve into another fascinating aspect of our cultural past.
