Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich

Presented by Martin Handley

Live from the Lighthouse, Poole

Marin Alsop conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in music by Beethoven and Shostakovich. They are joined by pianist Denis Kozhukhin for Rachmaninov's Paganini Rhapsody.

The American conductor Marin Alsop was Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for six years and is now Conductor Emeritus. She is always a welcome return visitor and this concert is eagerly anticipated. Orchestra and conductor are joined by the Russian-born pianist Denis Kozhukhin (a prizewinner at the 2006 Leeds International Piano Competition) for one of Rachmaninov's most popular concert pieces.

Th concert begins with one of Beethoven's attempts to write an overture for the opera we now know as Fidelio and it's a dramatic summary of the opera's plot. Rachmaninov's Paganini Rhapsody manages to be both technically ingenious and full of the highest of spirits - and in its 18th variation it also contains one of Rachmaninov's most glorious melodies. Shostakovich wrote his 5th Symphony at a time when he faced a crisis in his life and had come into direct confrontation with no less a figure than Josef Stalin. His response was one of his most powerful symphonies that has proved to be both hugely popular and somewhat enigmatic - there are secrets hidden within!

Beethoven: Leonore Overture No.3
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

8.10: Interval

8.30 Part 2
Shostakovich: Symphony No.5

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop (conductor)
Denis Kozhukhin (piano).