The torrent roars, and the full orchestra hurls down a furious challenge. The opening of Brahms鈥檚 youthful First Piano Concerto is a long way from the image of the gruff old genius in baggy trousers and beard. But for pianist Denis Kozhukhin 鈥� so electrifying in Russian repertoire 鈥� it鈥檚 the starting point of an entirely new musical chapter, and an overwhelming way to launch his Brahms concerto cycle. Thomas Dausgaard conducts: The Scotsman found 鈥渟omething elemental鈥� in his performance when he conducted the 麻豆社 SSO on Orkney last summer. His freshness and energy will make Beethoven鈥檚 headlong Seventh Symphony both a bracing contrast and a perfect counterpart to Brahms鈥檚 volcanic concerto.
Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
Writer and presenter Katy Hamilton introduces the Piano Concertos of Brahms.
Post-concert Coda
(approximately 10 minutes after the main concert)
Denis Kozhukhin plays the Three Intermezzi Op.117 by Brahms.
