Description

An Overture from Brahms, an incredible concerto from Beethoven and Dances with Rachmaninoff are our kick off to Summer.

The 'Tragic Overture', written by Brahms, premiered in 1880. Brahms chose the title ?tragic? to emphasise the turbulent and dramatic character of the piece, which stands in contrast to his other composition of the same year - the Academic Festival Overture. Composed as the height of Brahms? fame, the piece has a magnificent energy throughout and a defiant strength, despite the tragic connections.

Beethoven?s 'Piano Concerto No.5', otherwise know as the Emperor Concert, is next up. The work has military aspects and symbolism which give it a heroic style. The concerto opens with a solo piano entrance, before any orchestral introduction - a novel approach to concerto writing in 1809! The piece was pushed to completion by the Napoleonic Wars reaching Vienna in 1809 whilst the city was under siege. He has not yet gone deaf and to save his ears during this time, he fled to his brother?s basement and covered his ear with pillows!

We dance out the season with Rachmaninoff?s 'Symphonic Dances'. The piece marks Rachmaninoff?s final major composition, with the it allowing him to indulge in nostalgia for his home country. It features hints of his other works, including his First Symphony and the Dies Irae theme as well as motifs of native church music. The Symphonic Dances are energetic and feature luscious harmonies as well as a solo alto saxophone - an unusual addition to an orchestra!

Conductor: Christopher Braime
Leader: Corey Wickens

Description

Fore Street,

Cripplegate,

London,

Greater London,

England,

EC2Y 8DA.