Fabio Luisi and the Concertgebouw Orchestra Perform Brahms' Symphony No. 2
About the event
Experience the symphonic mastery of Johannes Brahms in his Second Symphony. Fabio Luisi also conducts a compelling work by Hans Werner Henze with the Concertgebouw Orchestra – featuring a starring role for violinist Julia Fischer. Brahms' Symphony No. 2
Fabio Luisi conducts music by two important German composers: Brahms' Second Symphony and Henze's violin concerto Il Vitalino raddoppiato. Johannes Brahms wrote teasingly to his publisher about his Second Symphony: 'I have never before written anything so sad and ponderous: the score must be published with a black border.' Melancholy is never far away in Brahms's work, but the almost carefree Second Symphony is not called his 'Pastoral' for nothing. In this paragon of Brahms's symphonic mastery, vibrant melodies are given ample space.
Hans-Werner Henze
Also exuberantly melodious is Il Vitalino raddoppiato by Hans-Werner Henze, the leading composer who was born 100 years ago and with whom the Concertgebouw Orchestra maintained a close relationship. Violinist Julia Fischer takes center stage in this lush, neo-romantic retrospective of the Baroque. The concert opens with music by the up-and-coming Danish composer Sophie Meyer. From her, the orchestra plays Fleur de verre, inspired by the skeleton flower – transparent, fragile, proud.
