Programme 25: Lighthearted and Playful

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Programme 25: Lighthearted and Playful programme description - a sparkling assortment of whimsical and witty works that dance with humour, imagination, and irrepressible charm.

Kabalevsky, Dmitry The Comedians – Gallop 1:45
A wild, joyful dash that kicks off the programme with carnival energy.

Offenbach, Jacques Orpheus in the Underworld – Can-Can 2:15
This high-kicking number remains the epitome of operetta mischief and sparkle.

Françaix, Jean L’horloge de flore – No. 3: Dandelion 3:15 Quirky and bright-eyed, full of instrumental wit and French finesse.

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 – III. Menuetto 3:00 Gracefully cheeky with its rhythmic bounce and musical elegance.

Poulenc, Francis Mouvements perpétuels – No. 1 2:30 A Parisian postcard of playfulness and light-hearted teasing.

Sullivan, Arthur The Mikado – Overture 7:15 Droll and theatrical, blending satire and good-humoured melody.

Walton, William Façade – Valse: “Jodelling Song” 2:00 Eccentric and rhythmically sly, perfect in its playfulness.

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai The Snow Maiden – Dance of the Tumblers 3:45 A burst of folk-inspired vitality, filled with good cheer and dazzling rhythm.

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich Album for the Young, Op. 39 – No. 20: Dolly’s Funeral 2:00 Darkly comic and gently ironic, a child’s drama told with musical irony.

Weiner, Leó Divertimento No. 1 for String Orchestra – I. Allegro 6:00 A spirited Hungarian-flavoured romp, rich in good humour.

Milhaud, Darius Scaramouche – III. Brazileira 3:15 A zesty, samba-tinged finale with irresistible rhythmic bounce.

Pierné, Gabriel Entrance of the Little Fauns 4:30 Light-footed and magical, as if tiptoeing through an enchanted wood.

Grainger, Percy Mock Morris 4:00 Rustic, upbeat, and full of charming rhythmic invention.
10 Aug 2025 English South Africa Music History · Music Commentary

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