The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra (hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt) traditionally performs at the Gießen City Theatre every season – this time under the direction of the award-winning young American conductor Roderick Cox and with a special, captivating program. Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony is known as his "Fate Symphony." In it, emotions are given a cinematic treatment. The symphony is filled with sorrow and melancholy, overwhelming the audience with its powerful imagery. In contrast, a compelling concerto for the lowest of all string instruments will be presented. This work is the work of the Italian composer Bottesini, the "Paganini of the double bass." The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra's principal double bassist, Bogusław Furtok, will perform it and is sure to enthrall the audience.

Concerts at the Gießen City Theatre

Theater Gießen

Why does the double bass so rarely play the leading role – and what happens when it does? In this concert for school classes in grades 5 to 7, the lowest string instrument finally takes center stage. Together with Theo Plath, solo bassoonist of the hr Symphony Orchestra, and Bogusław Furtok, solo double bassist, the students will discover the astonishing sound and history of the double bass. The centerpiece is the F-sharp minor Concerto by Giovanni Bottesini, the "Paganini of the double bass" – a work that demonstrates just how agile, sonorous, and surprising this instrument can be. Between movements, discussions will explore fascinating facts, amusing anecdotes, and the evolution of the double bass from a sonic foundation to a solo star. A concert that opens ears and makes learning about instruments a fresh experience.

Bottesini's double bass

Hessischer Rundfunk

Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony is known as his "Fate Symphony." In it, emotions unfold on a grand, cinematic scale. Filled with sorrow and melancholy, it overwhelms with its powerful imagery. In contrast to this Russian emotional drama, this "Quick & Classy" program offers a captivating concerto – for the lowest of all string instruments. It owes its existence to the Italian Bottesini, the "Paganini of the double bass." In the mid-19th century, he was the greatest virtuoso of this instrument, revolutionizing its playing and making it far more than just sing in his music. The hr's solo double bassist, Bogusław Furtok, will enthrall audiences, as will the award-winning young American conductor Roderick Cox and the hr Symphony Orchestra in this famous Tchaikovsky symphony.

Boguslaw Furtok

Events

Past events

Nov 7, 2025

Concerts at the Gießen City Theatre · Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

Nov 6, 2025

Bottesini's double bass · Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Double Bass in Double Bass Concerto No. 1 by Bottesini

Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

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