Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Walton’s First Symphony was a landmark of English composition and represents the peak of his symphonic thinking. Its turbulent emotions and high-voltage energy were the fruit of tempestuous events surrounding Walton at the time. After an eloquent, dramatic first movement, a stinging, malicious Scherzo and a truly melancholic slow movement, the finale is totally different in outlook – an almost Elgarian ceremonial jubilation, as if a cloud has lifted.

The creation of the First Piano Concerto was tumultuous for Tchaikovsky, and yet with all the sweat and tears it took, as well as its initial criticism by contemporaries, it has gone on to become one of the most popular in the repertoire. If the solo writing is at times a little unorthodox, the opening alone to this wonderful piece, with its memorable horn call and that soaring theme over pounding piano chords, is enough to forgive any shortcoming. Lysenko’s masterpiece, the peak of Ukrainian opera, reflects its best features – deep, penetrating folk character and loyalty to the best national artistic traditions.