Great Performances Season 38 Episode 56
Great Performances
Season 38

Ep 56. Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert 2012

  • August 31, 2012

The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert is an annual event held in Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna. The 2012 concert marked the 10th anniversary of the event and was conducted by Valery Gergiev. The concert featured acclaimed soloist Renée Fleming as the guest vocalist.

The show opens with a stunning panoramic shot of the lush green gardens, with the palace in the background and the orchestra taking the stage. The Vienna Philharmonic is a world-renowned orchestra, famed for their performance of classical works. The stunning setting of the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens adds to the magic of the concert experience, transporting the audience to another time and place.

The concert begins with Franz von Suppé's lively overture "Light Cavalry", which sets the mood for the rest of the evening. The orchestra then turns to a series of Johann Strauss Jr.'s best-known works, including "On the Beautiful Blue Danube", "The Emperor Waltz", and "Tales from the Vienna Woods". The audience sways to the beautiful waltz rhythms and cheerful melodies of these timeless pieces.

Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time, then takes the stage to perform a selection of operatic arias, including "Casta Diva" from Bellini's "Norma" and "Merce, dilette amiche" from Verdi's "I Vespri Siciliani". Her exquisite voice and masterful interpretation of these classics leave the audience spellbound. She also performs some romantic songs, including "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi", demonstrating her incredible range.

The concert closes with a rousing rendition of Johann Strauss Sr.'s "Radetzky March", which originates from the legendary Viennese elite military academy. The audience claps along to the beat, with some even standing and swaying in unison. The fireworks in the background add to the celebratory atmosphere, bringing the concert to a grand finale.

Between the musical performances, the camera pans to the audience to capture their expressions of joy and amazement. The camera also takes the viewers on a tour of the palace and grounds, offering a glimpse into the rich history and beauty of Schönbrunn Palace.

Overall, this episode of "Great Performances" is a celebration of classical music and culture. The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert 2012 brings together some of the most talented musicians and vocalists in the world, performing in a stunning setting that captures the grandeur of Vienna's rich history. The show is a feast for the senses, with the beautiful music and visuals transporting the audience to a place of joy and wonder.

This episode doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services. Add this show to your Watchlist to get notified when new episodes are available.
Description
  • First Aired
    August 31, 2012
  • Language
    English