Chopin and Mahler 1

The Concert

A celebration of pure romance in Frédéric Chopin’s lyrical Second Piano Concerto, while Gustav Mahler embraces the earth in his brilliant, bold First Symphony.

The Music

Chopin’s Second Concerto is a closely woven partnership between soloist and orchestra, the lyrical writing turning the percussive piano into a poetic, singing instrument.

In Mahler’s First Symphony, the earth wakens to sounds of nature and nostalgic folk songs in the first movement. The middle movement is charm itself, while the finale is a funeral march to the tune of ‘Frère Jacques’. Not for nothing was the Symphony nicknamed ‘Titan’.

The Performers

Yuja Wang brings her astonishing skills to one of the great Romantic piano works, while Pappano and the LSO bring to life Mahler’s epic orchestrations.

A first symphony by any composer is a huge step. So Mahler embarks on this odyssey that will bring him through nine symphonies, plus a symphony with voices.
Sir Antonio Pappano, LSO Chief Conductor

Pre-Concert, Barbican Foyers

Performances by LSO Discovery musicians.

Concert recorded for future broadcast by Marquee and BBC Radio 3

Change of programme

Please note that the concertos being performed in the LSO concerts with Yuja Wang at the Barbican on 15 and 19 September have now changed at the request of the soloist. On 15 September Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 1 will replace Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 4, and on 19 September Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 2 will replace Bartok’s Piano Concerto No 2.
Posted 17 May 2024