Events

The fourth concerto is Beethoven in his most jovial mood but also contains the drama we associate with this composer. On first listening it sounds like a concerto that a virtuoso could just dash off with the usual élan but on closer inspection it is far more difficult to bring off than one could imagine.
The four notes that open Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony have a claim to being the most famous musical motto ever written. ‘Fate knocking at the door’, is how Beethoven is reported to have described the theme.

Featuring Michael Howell of Channel 4's The Piano.
Favourite classics for strings - Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending, Delius On hearing the first cuckoo on spring - and voices - Barber Agnus Dei Adagio for choir, Elgar Agnus Dei (Nimrod from Enigma Variations) for choir.

The "Great" Mass in C Minor has long been a favourite of players and audiences. Written between 1782 and 1783, Mozart's most ambitious mass setting features some of the most vivacious melodies and vocal acrobatics from the master from Salzburg, but the piece was left incomplete. Emperor. The very word conjures up magnificence, pomp, ceremony, power, nobility, majesty. All these qualities are present in Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto. And the solo part is dazzling!