Strauss and Bruckner from St David's Hall, Cardiff

Live from St. David's Hall in Cardiff

Presented by Nicola Heywood Thomas

The "final thoughts" of two great German masters are explored by Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Mezzo soprano Katarina Karneus returns to the hall where she won Cardiff Singer of the World in 1995 to perform the Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss, capturing a mood of Olympian calm and serenity. Bruckner's powerful Ninth Symphony takes us on a dark and gripping journey, full of thunderous energy. It was left unfinished at the composer's death and closes with the slow movement which shares the same serenity as Strauss.

Richard Strauss - Four last songs

19:25 Interval Music
Nicola Heywood Thomas recommends recordings by tonight's soloist Katarina Karneus

19:55
Bruckner - Symphony no. 9

BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Katarina Karneus (mezzo soprano)
Jac van Steen (conductor)

Following the main concert pianist Lars Vogt performs Brahms's Piano Concerto no.2 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Thierry Fischer in a performance recorded at St.David's Hall, Cardiff in January.