In Times of War

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales performs Schumann's 'Rhenish' Symphony and Widmann's Cantata in tempore belli, conducted by the composer.

This BBC National Orchestra of Wales concert moves from celebration to a plea for peace. Schumann's Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, the 'Rhenish', opens the programme with its leaping, energetic themes and solemn fourth movement. After the interval, Jörg Widmann conducts his own Cantata in tempore belli (Cantata in Times of War), a powerful response to conflict featuring alto Jess Dandy and narrator Amira Casar, weaving biblical texts, poetry and Wolfgang Borchert's uncompromising appeal for peace, 'Dweud Na!' ('Say No!'). The performance is BSL interpreted.