David Parry conducts Beethoven, Schumann and Elgar | London Philharmonic

Two masterpieces of manipulation: Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony, built on an infamous four-note theme, and Elgar’s towering variations based entirely on a touching and chameleon-like improvised tune. Few works offer the cumulative power and familiarity that these do, and few offer orchestral brilliance hand-in-hand with dazzling intellect and resource. In between we hear Schumann’s Cello Concerto – an isle of bliss in an otherwise troubled life. And how you hear it in the music; through the touching song of the cello it marries sweeping greatness with technical brilliance, radiating content through its very human beauty.

Symphony No 5 in C minor

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in A minor

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Variations on an original theme, 'Enigma'

Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

Location