Chopin and Mahler 1
Stream on BBC Sounds
Karol Szymanowski
Concert Overture (16 mins)
Frédéric Chopin
Piano Concerto No 2 (30 mins)
Interval
Gustav Mahler
Symphony No 1 (57 mins)
Sir Antonio Pappano conductor
Yuja Wang piano
London Symphony Orchestra
Stream
Available to listen online on BBC Sounds
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
Concert recorded for future broadcast by Marquee and BBC Radio 3
Dive Deeper
Sir Antonio Pappano introduces his first season as Chief Conductor of the LSO.
‘I want to explore music that I really, really love – and, the hope is, that the Orchestra will really love with me.
Header Image © Julia Wesely
