In this most lyrical, poetic and fantastical of his concertos, Beethoven does not abandon Mozartian concerto form but imbues it with a genuinely romantic voice. In a thrilling dialogue between soloist and orchestra, it is ardent and melancholy, heroic and ethereal, anguished and whimsical. Schumann’s Second Symphony was a personal triumph and marked the start of the final phase of his career. It is a reflection not only of his recent health issues but also the feeling of triumph at overcoming the despair that had gripped him for a year. It transports the listener towards redemption in a way that looks back to Beethoven but also predicts the future greats, like Mahler, who were to come. A magnificent energy pervades Brahms’ overture. Opening with two emphatic chordal exclamations its defiant strength is heightened by the return of a poignant little march idea, defining the ‘Tragic’ even more potently than all the muscular thrust before and after it.

EPSG:4326

Looking Forward and Back

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

Two young French musicians make their Hallé debuts. An alumna of the RNCM, conductor Chloé van Soeterstède, is rapidly building an international profile, whilst Gramophone magazine describes cellist Bruno Philippe as having a ‘command of the instrument that can scarcely be gainsaid – his tone is simply glorious.’

The Hallé in Nottingham

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances

The Bridgewater Hall

Then comes Sibelius’ Symphony no 5, which opens with a glorious evocation of sunrise and culminates in the finale’s sweeping strings and jubilant horn theme, written after Sibelius witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of 16 swans in flight. This proved to be a defining moment for the composer, who wrote in his diary: ’One of the great experiences of my life! God, how beautiful’.

Orchestral Masterworks: Sibelius 5

Royal College of Music Museum

There is perhaps no more beloved violin concerto than Mendelssohn’s masterpiece. Journeying from darkness to light, it begins restless, mysterious and questioning, and ends in a blaze of colour, full of joy and exhilaration. The sheer quality of the music and lightness of touch, bursting with unbridled vitality that leaves audiences clamouring for more, makes it a favourite amongst performers and listeners alike. Brahms’ First Symphony, although inspired by those of his hero Beethoven, broke new ground for symphonic form. It is a symbolic journey from darkness to light, the themes developed from a handful of motivic nuggets, all smelted together into a shining edifice, with nothing wasted. A turbulent mood is established at the outset, by turns dark and meltingly warm, often infused with a rueful quality expressing a strain of sadness in his personality never lightened by artistic success. Schumann’s majestic and vivacious Overture, Scherzo & Finale is a joyous work. It opens in dramatic fashion, dark and challenging, until a lively major melody appears, lightening the mood.

Chloé van Soeterstède

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 17, 2024

Orchestral Masterworks: Sibelius 5 · Royal College of Music

27 - 28 Nov, 2024

Mad Over Mendelssohn · Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Mar 12, 2024

Looking Forward and Back · Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Dec 5, 2023

The Hallé in Nottingham · The Hallé

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Symphony No. 5 by Sibelius

Royal College of Music

Conductor in Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninoff

The Hallé

Conductor in Cello Concerto No. 1 by Saint-Saëns

The Hallé

Conductor in Violin Concerto by

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Tragic Overture by

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Overture, Scherzo & Finale by Schumann

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Symphony No.1 by Brahms

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Piano Concerto No.4 by

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Symphony No.2 by

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Suite Pastorale by Chabrier

The Hallé

About

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