Philharmonia Orchestra

Labelled ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’, Brahms's Symphony No.1 certainly upholds the established traditions of his illustrious German predecessor. From the first movement through to the finale, Beethoven’s style has a strong presence and its epical properties rightly earn the symphony its nickname. Violinist Joseph Joachim, another Beethoven enthusiast and favourite of Brahms, is the dedicatee of the second work of the evening’s repertoire, Dvorák’s Violin Concerto. Its captivating melodies reach a high point during the slow movement, the concerto turning poignantly nostalgic before entering into the finale where soloist Akiko Suwanai is offered a virtuosic range of often restless passage-work. Also being performed is Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a work which was only completed after a 17 year interval.

Overture from A Midsummer Night's Dream

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in A minor

Antonín Dvorák (1841-1904)

Symphony No 1 in C minor

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Location