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Beethoven and Shostakovich

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jakub Hrůša in Beethoven’s sparkling Piano Concerto No 2 with soloist Jonathan Biss. Plus Shostakovich's Symphony No 11, ‘The Year 1905’.

The ѿý Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jakub Hrůša in Beethoven’s sparkling Piano Concerto No 2 with soloist Jonathan Biss. Plus Shostakovich's Symphony No 11, ‘The Year 1905’.

Recorded at the Barbican on Friday 31st January 2025. Presented by Mark Forrest.

Pavel Haas: Scherzo triste, Op 5
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat major

Interval

Dmitry Shostakovich: Symphony No 11 in G minor, 'The Year 1905'

Jonathan Biss (piano)
ѿý Symphony Orchestra
Jakub Hrůša (conductor)

“Whirlwinds of danger are raging around us… on with the fight, for the cause of humanity!” Shostakovich’s massive 11th Symphony was inspired by a revolution that failed, and from the roar of the crowds to the thunder of gunfire, it’s never seemed more relevant, or more urgent. Guest conductor Jakub Hrůša understands the power of history, making this a timely – and thrilling – climax to a concert of contrasts.
Because after all, music doesn’t get much more elegant and exuberant than Beethoven’s sunlit Second Piano Concerto – a young genius out to make a serious splash. Who better to play it than Jonathan Biss, the masterly American pianist who describes Beethoven’s music as “truly one of the greatest gifts to my life”? Hrůša opens the concert with a rediscovery from Pavel Haas: a burst of jazz-age wit from one of Czech music’s silenced voices.

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask ѿý Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert.

2 hours, 14 minutes

Music Played

  • Pavel Haas

    Scherzo Zesmutnele (Scherzo Triste) Op.5

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Jakub Hrůša.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Concerto no. 2 in B flat major Op.19

    Performer: Jonathan Biss. Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Jakub Hrůša.
  • Franz Schubert

    4 Impromptus D.899, Op.90 - No.3 in G Flat

    Performer: Jonathan Biss.
  • Bohuslav Martinů

    Romance z pampelisek [The romance of the dandelions]

    Choir: Prague Philharmonic Choir. Conductor: Jaroslav Brych.
    • Praga Digitals.
  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Symphony No. 11 in G minor Op.103 (The Year 1905)

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Jakub Hrůša.

Broadcast

  • Tue 4 Feb 2025 19:30