The great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich commissioned Dutilleux to write Tout un monde lointaine, now an important work in the cello repertoire. The final act of Wagner’s final opera (1882) concludes an epic tale about the knights of the holy grail, which culminates at Easter. After years of desolation, the orphan and holy fool Parsifal brings absolution to the knights and their wounded leader Amfortas. As a messianic allegory of sin, redemption and deep compassion, the opera still causes regular controversy – but audiences are swept up by its musical mysticism, its weave of sacred and profane.

In our February video podcast music broadcaster Rob Cowan and LSO President Sir Colin Davis talk about the music and stories behind the great choral works being performed this season, including Wagner Parsifal (7' 32"):