Every piece is a winner in an inspiring program of Romantic masterpieces.
Three very different Romantics take charge in this vivid and impassioned program. In his Fourth Symphony, Brahms sticks to his classical guns while embracing a questing lyricism. There’s a hint of Beethoven in the incisiveness of the music, and the spirit of Bach in the grand variations that unfold in the finale, but the autumnal warmth and exalted melancholy of the symphony is all Brahms.
Tchaikovsky’s fantasy overture is a portrait of Shakespeare’s play: the brawling feud, the optimistic Friar, and the doomed lovers – all brought to a tragic climax.
In the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini we hear a portrait of virtuosity itself, with Paganini’s flamboyant theme treated to charismatic variations. Like Brahms, Rachmaninoff wasn’t afraid to follow his true instincts – this is unashamedly Romantic music. And with the massive orchestra backing the solo part, says Freddy Kempf, it’s exciting and spectacular as well.
TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet – Fantasy Overture
RACHMANINOFF Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
BRAHMS Symphony No.4
Thomas Dausgaard conductor
Freddy Kempf piano
Pre-concert talk by Scott Davie in the Northern Foyer at 7.15pm.
Hear Freddy Kempf in recital, performing Beethoven and Liszt (1 August). Hear Prokofiev’s take on the Romeo and Juliet story (14–16 July).
AUDIO PLAYER LISTING
Track 1 – TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet – Fantasy Overture: Love theme
Russian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mikhail Pletnev
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 8699
Track 2 – BRAHMS Symphony No.4: 1st movement
Track 3 – BRAHMS Symphony No.4: 2nd movement
Track 4 – BRAHMS Symphony No.4: 3rd movement
L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet
DECCA ELOQUENCE 480 0448
Audio kindly supplied by Universal Music.