Thursday 24 June 2010 at 7.30pm
Symphony Hall, Birmingham +44 (0)121-780 3333
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Ludovic Morlot conductor
Renaud Capuçon violin
Bartók: Two Pictures 17′
Ligeti: Violin Concerto 28′
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) 40′
It’s summer – so it must be Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. From its dewy-fresh opening to the serene Shepherd’s Hymn with which it closes, no composer has ever captured the healing power of nature more timelessly. Two centuries on, it’s still a candidate for the most relaxing piece of music ever written. Guest conductor Ludovic Morlot brings a uniquely Gallic lightness of touch to Beethoven’s inspiration – and plenty of colour for Bartók’s folk-flavoured miniatures. They’ll stand him in good stead for the amazing sound-world of Ligeti’s Violin Concerto. French virtuoso Renaud Capuçon brings all his skill to bear on the ravishing colours, child-like humour and crackling energy of this true modern classic.
Review by Norman Stinchcombe, Birmingham Post:
…”Capuçon was dazzling, in both musicality and sheer physicality, as he tried to outwit his opponents by playing faster, quieter, louder and even by charming them with a beautiful, rapt romantic solo.” …
…”The CBSO’s wind players excelled in Bartok’s Two Pictures especially in the rumbustious village folk dances.”…
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