This season, The Philadelphia Orchestra juxtaposed Beethoven’s path-breaking symphonies and concertos with those of the great orchestral master of the 20th century Dmitri Shostakovich...we’ll be treated to such a pairing Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto breaks with many of the expectations of a time that valued entertainment and flashy virtuosity, but Beethoven aimed for something higher, which is the reason his piece is remembered, while every other violin concerto of the time is either forgotten or is on the margins of the repertoire.
We’ll hear a performance Sunday by violinist Nikolaj Znaider, making his fourth appearance since his Philadelphia Orchestra debut in 2000.
And Shostakovich, one of the greatest and most prolific symphonists of the 20th century, completes the program with his brilliant 10th Symphony, composed in the immediate aftermath of Stalin’s death. It was his first symphonic work in eight years and helped to initiate a new, more liberated final phase of his career.
Stéphane Denève, recently named Principal Guest Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and chief conductor of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony, will be on the podium in this concert from last March at Verizon Hall.
During intermission Susan Lewis speaks with Maestro Denève, and Jim Cotter will chat backstage with violinist Nikolaj Znaider.
That’s Sunday, June 8, from 1 until 3 pm on WRTI. We hope you’ll be there. Gregg Whiteside is producer and host for this broadcast underwritten by Bryn Mawr Trust Wealth Management.
More information about the program, video, and detailed notes here
PROGRAM:
BEETHOVEN: Violin Concerto
Nikolaj Znaider, violin
INTERMISSION
SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 10
Stéphane Denève, conductor
