Inspired By Shakespeare: Ashley Wass

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20160424

Live from the RSC's The Other Place in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Suzy Klein introduces one of Britain's leading pianists, Ashley Wass performing music inspired by three of Shakespeare's most popular plays: Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the great scores for the ballet stage and was transcribed for piano by the composer himself; Macbeth and the Witches is Smetana's highly theatrical take on the Scottish Play; and when asked about his Piano Sonata no.17, Beethoven is said to have remarked "Just read Shakespeare's The Tempest."

Prokofiev: from 'Romeo and Juliet' Op.75

Smetana: Macbeth and the witches

Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 17 in D minor Op.31'2 (Tempest)

Ashley Wass (piano)

BBC Radio 3 is marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare with a season celebrating the four centuries of music and performance that his plays and sonnets have inspired. Over the anniversary weekend, from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th April, Radio 3 will broadcast live from a pop-up studio at the RSC's The Other Place Theatre and other historic venues across Stratford-upon-Avon.

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First Broadcast	Comments
20160424
20160424	Live from the RSC's The Other Place in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Suzy Klein introduces one of Britain's leading pianists, Ashley Wass performing music inspired by three of Shakespeare's most popular plays: Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the great scores for the ballet stage and was transcribed for piano by the composer himself; Macbeth and the Witches is Smetana's highly theatrical take on the Scottish Play; and when asked about his Piano Sonata no.17, Beethoven is said to have remarked "Just read Shakespeare's The Tempest." Prokofiev: from 'Romeo and Juliet' Op.75 Smetana: Macbeth and the witches Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 17 in D minor Op.31'2 (Tempest) Ashley Wass (piano) BBC Radio 3 is marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare with a season celebrating the four centuries of music and performance that his plays and sonnets have inspired. Over the anniversary weekend, from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th April, Radio 3 will broadcast live from a pop-up studio at the RSC's The Other Place Theatre and other historic venues across Stratford-upon-Avon.