Hebrides Ensemble

PIERROT LUNAIRE

By Arnold Schoenberg
Directed by William Conway

Pierrot is intoxicated by the moon. Alone in his disturbed and insular world, he spirals into a violent nightmare dominated by dark poetic imagery. Descending further into murderous and violent thoughts before returning home, he is once more transfixed by the moonlight.

At its 1912 premiere, this seminal work had Berlin audiences captivated, spellbound by Pierrot. Written during a period of Expressionism and at the height of composer Schoenberg’s friendship with Kandinsky, the work is full of unusual combinations of instruments.

Its originality in borrowing from the past whilst creating a unique hybrid of artistic expression still sounds highly modern today.

The programme includes works by Chopin, Debussy, Beamish and a brand new commission by young Scottish composer, Helen Grime.