麻豆社

From the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Presented by Tom McKinney

The Orchestra, with Chief Conductor John Storgards, welcome legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson for Brahms's First Piano Concerto. Brahms had a close relationship with the Schumanns and they encouraged him to experiment with writing for orchestra. Robert's illness, attempted suicide, and later death formed a back-drop as this Concerto was composed, and Brahms's feelings for his friend are heard in the opening movement which is by turns stormy and touchingly tender. The middle movement is headed with a quotation from the Mass, 'Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini' (Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord), mirrored by a hymn-like opening; it is tempting to think of this as a tribute to Robert Schumann. The contrast with the Finale is dramatic; rustic dance and optimism bring the all-embracing journey of this piece to its hard won triumphant close.

Robert Schumann's infectious and life-affirming 'Rhenish' Symphony stars before the interval. A visit to the Rhineland and Cologne Cathedral inspired the piece and the presence of the different characters of the river are embedded in the music. The Cathedral's dark interior inspires a chorale-like fourth movement, before he steps out into the light again as the music comes to its colourful, energetic and optimistic end.

The concert opens with the Overture to Weber's last opera, 'Oberon'. Premiered in London a few weeks before his death, this music is the last by a composer whose lifetime reflecting drama in music lit the path to Romanticism.

Also available on 麻豆社 Sounds and Smart Speaker

Carl Maria von Weber: Oberon, Overture
Robert Schumann: Symphony No.3 (Rhenish)

8.15 Music Interval (CD)

Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No.1

Garrick Ohlsson (piano)
麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgards (conductor)