Schumann Symphony 3 ‘rheinische’ by Offenbach, Mernier, Schumann, Dg. 19 Nov. 2023, De (2023/2023), Director musical Alain Altinoglu, Bozar, Brussels, Belgium

A romantic trip on the banks of the Rhine. This is Robert Schumann's main source of inspiration when he composed his Third Symphony . The bliss and calm of these few days spent traveling through the Rhineland in the company of his wife Clara animates the entire score, as does the subtle evocation of the river, traditional dances of the region and even a solemn ceremony. in Cologne Cathedral. The river also occupies a central place in Les Fées du Rhin , Jacques Offenbach's opera. From the first notes of the overture, the musical theme associated with the song of the elves and the spirits of the Rhine unfolds – a theme that Offenbach would reuse a few years later in the famous Barcarolle from Les Contes d' Hoffmann . To accompany these two romantic works, Alain Altinoglu turned to contemporary music and Benoît Mernier's Dickinson Songs . This cycle of songs for girls' choir and orchestra pays homage to the poetry of Emily Dickinson. An evening placed under the sign of wonder, sweetness and joy.