Strauss & Schubert

The afternoon begins with the precision and energetic pulse of Strauss II’s Tik Tak Polka, setting a rhythmic tone before moving into Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No.2. As you listen to the concerto, notice how it transitions from a formal, almost baroque opening into a final movement defined by speed and wit. Following this, the programme explores the evocative, two-movement structure of Schubert’s Symphony No.8. Often discussed for its incomplete status, the work offers a profound, lyrical depth that stands in contrast to the lighter pieces in the selection. The performance concludes with the Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss. This final work brings the grand, romantic atmosphere of the Viennese opera house into the hall, weaving together various melodies from the original stage work into a rich orchestral tapestry. We expect the contrast between Schubert’s introspection and the vibrant Strauss movements to provide a balanced sense of drama throughout the performance.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of musical life in the Midlands, performing from their home at Symphony Hall. They are joined by conductor David Danzmayr, who leads this varied orchestral programme. The soloist for the afternoon is pianist Pavel Kolesnikov, a performer noted for his sensitive and thoughtful approach to the keyboard. The ensemble is widely recognised for its versatility across the core symphonic repertoire, frequently exploring both large-scale Romantic works and the lighter, dance-oriented music of the Strauss family.

This performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and has a total duration of 105 minutes. The programme’s mixture of shorter polka movements, a famous unfinished symphony, and a lively concerto makes it a suitable choice if you are attending an orchestral concert for the first time. The venue is a modern concert space designed specifically for acoustic clarity. There is no specific dress code for this event, and the 105-minute running time includes the standard transitions between the four scheduled works.