Hungarian Radio Orchestra: Beethoven’s Symphony No.7

Zoltán Kodály – Dances of Galanta
Sergei Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2
Franz Liszt – Mephisto Waltz
Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Riccardo Frizza conductor
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason piano
Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Iconic is an over-used word… but is absolutely spot on for two pieces in this programme. Rachmaninov’s piece is everything you want from a piano concerto. Lush, intense and romantic, it’s no wonder it was an obvious choice for the classic film, Brief Encounter.

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is wild musical ride, each of its movements radically different, perhaps explaining its enduring popularity. One moment you’ll be swept along by its pounding propulsive rhythms, the next you’ll revel in grandly powerful melodies. The symphony finishes in an intense whirlwind, music which ratchets up the tension minute by minute leaving audiences (and musicians!) almost exhausted.