Tchaikovsky’s opera The Queen of Spades ends in tragedy – much like some of the Russian composer’s own card games, which often resulted in bitter defeat. A passionate player, Tchaikovsky loved to win and found it hard to accept losing. But he was far from the only musician in history who enjoyed shuffling the deck. In fact, several composers not only played cards with enthusiasm, but even immortalised their favourite games in musical works. In his latest lecture, music historian Ádám Bősze brings to life the most fascinating and dramatic card games in the history of music.
Programme subject to change.