Performers
Programme
Accompanying programme
Concert introduction
Honegger composed a modern mystery play in 1935 with ‘Johanna auf dem Scheiterhaufen’ - an extremely varied mixture of elements of jazz, modernism, Gregorian chant and circus music. The hr-Sinfonieorchester presents the oratorio - with a high-calibre cast including Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard as Joan of Arc. Almost 100 years ago, the Swiss composer cut the celestial and the mightily profane into a tightly woven whole. The chorus and children's choir open up marvellous sonic spaces, but the grotesque is not neglected either - a pig, a donkey, a windmill, a wine barrel, they all make an appearance. And in the orchestra, saxophones and prepared pianos provide astonishing effects, as well as an Ondes Martenot, the electronic musical instrument that was only invented shortly before this composition. French star actress Marion Cotillard was recruited for the title role. In 2008, she was awarded an Oscar for her portrayal of Édith Piaf in ‘La vie en rose’, and her list of other honours is almost as long as her screen appearances - which include films as diverse as ‘Inception’, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and the film musical ‘Nine’.
(hr-Sinfonieorchester - Frankfurt Radio Symphony)