Monthly Playlist: June 2023

In Japan, summer is the season for folktales and myths (especially the scary ones) to keep the children and adults cold by sending chills down the spine. A little cruel, isn't it? 

Folktales and mythologies have inspired countless works of music and art for centuries. I wanted to share a few of them with you from different parts of the world. I hope these will keep you chill in the coming weeks and months!

1.Debussy // Prélude á l’après-midi d’un faune

Faun daydreams as it becomes infatuated with the nymphs where fantasies and realities intertwine…the music portrays the desire, sensuality, and the elusive nature of dreams.

2. Stravinsky // Firebird Suite, III. Variation of the Firebird

A majestic, mythical bird in Russian folklore with luminous feathers that emit fiery light symbolizing beauty, mystery, and the ever-elusive pursuit of the extraordinary.

3. Sibelius // Four Legends from the Kalevala, Op.22: II. The Swan of Tuonela

Tuonela, the land of death, the Hell of Finnish mythology, is surrounded by a large river with black waters and a rapid current, on which the Swan of Tuonela floats majestically, singing.

4. Szymanowski // Myths Op. 30, II. Narcisse

Narcissus is cursed by the god Nemesis so that he falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, eventually dying from self love and turning into a flower.

5. Liszt // Prometheus

Prometheus's defiance and his ultimate triumph as he steals fire from the gods, empowering humanity.