The English way
Sir Andrew Davis & Julia Hagen
Ecstasy with understatement – Elgar's magnificent Cello Concerto. An earnest gentleman turns 150 – Vaughan Williams. Last but not least – insider tip: Tippett!
Programme
Michael Tippett Kleine Musik für Streichorchester
Edward Elgar Konzert für Violoncello und Orchester e-Moll op. 85
Ralph Vaughan Williams Symphonie Nr. 5 D-Dur
Cast
Sir Andrew Davis - Conductor
Julia Hagen - Violoncello
Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concert with
The English way
Twice or perhaps thrice may the well-informed music lover who sees this program sigh in relief: finally! Of course, at the latest since Jacqueline du Pré performed the Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar, the work has been considered a titanic musical achievement. But what about Symphony No. 5 (1938-1943) by English gentleman Ralph Vaughan Williams? Does the indication of D major in an expansive mid-20th century work reveal anything about the “progressiveness” of this music? One of its strongest advocates, Sir Andrew Davis, presents his compatriot’s work in his first appearance with the RSB. It should be noted that modernism has always been more modest on the British Isles compared to continental Europe. This also applies to the composer Michael Tippett, who is related to Benjamin Britten in spirit (and not only regarding pacifism). The Little Music for String Orchestra (1946) does not seek to cause an upheaval. It plays with crystalline clarity through familiar figures from baroque string artistry, in a bath of dreamy sunlight.
Ticket information
