Smetana / Rueda / Mussorgsky
During his tenure with the Slovak Philharmonic, conductor Daniel Raiskin has presented several titles that deviate from the usual repertoire. This time, however, he has opted for famous and legendary works. Bedřich Smetana's “travelogue” symphonic poem Vltava is one of the world's most famous symphonic projects. Mr. Raiskin's penchant for presenting rarities is reflected in his choice of pianist Noelia Rodiles – the piano concerto by Spanish composer Jesús Rueda is, to a certain extent, related to Smetana's composition in its inspiration from rivers. Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky also drew on non-musical inspirations in his colorful collection of musical “illustrations”Pictures at an Exhibition.