Antonio Méndez

Saleem Ashkar

Rachmaninov created a remarkable sound-world in his Second Symphony. Sombre harmonies complement the rich orchestration like deeply burnished mahogany. Imagine the embers of a huge log fire, beating back an icy black Russian winter’s night. The music similarly smoulders for ages, and occasionally, with or without warning, flares briefly and spectacularly. One of his earliest works for orchestra, this concerto served as the young Beethoven’s formal introduction to Viennese society. It reflects his mastery of Classical form and style, a youthful work without the iconoclasm we associate with his later writing.

However, underneath the Mozartian structure, we can hear glimpses of the mature Beethoven, especially in his use of unexpected harmonies and the muscular and powerful solo part. The Leonore Overture No.1 opens in sombre and unsettled mood with a sense of probing and uncertainty. Soon, however, the tempo turns animated and the music brightens, a sense of joy and hope emerging in the lively, robust theme which banishes any lingering sense of doubt.

Programme:

Beethoven Leonore Overture No.1
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.2
Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

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