BOLÉRO

(Maurice Ravel: 1875 – 1937)

The concert evening opens with Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro”, one of the key works of the programme. Over an incessantly repeated drum rhythm, the music grows from the quietest beginnings into an ever more powerful wave of sound. Instrument by instrument, the orchestral texture becomes denser until the work culminates in an overwhelming climax. Composed in 1928, the “Boléro” became Ravel’s most famous work and today ranks among the most unmistakable masterpieces of the orchestral repertoire.

OVERTURE TO “THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO”

(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 1756 – 1791)

Next comes the overture to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera “The Marriage of Figaro”, K. 492. Brimming with energy, wit and irresistible musical momentum, it ranks among the most brilliant and beloved opera overtures in the history of music.

AIR FROM ORCHESTRAL SUITE NO. 3 IN D MAJOR, BWV 1068

(Johann Sebastian Bach: 1685 – 1750)

A serene contrast follows with the “Air” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. Strings and basso continuo unfold a song-like melody of remarkable clarity and expressive beauty. With its floating calm and timeless beauty, the “Air” remains one of Bach’s best-known and most moving works.

MOONLIGHT SONATA · FÜR ELISE

(Ludwig van Beethoven: 1770 – 1827)

Next on the programme are two of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most famous works, the “Moonlight Sonata” and “Für Elise”, performed by Georgii Cherkin in arrangements for piano and orchestra. The “Moonlight Sonata” continues to fascinate with its mysterious opening, while “Für Elise” became world-famous for its unmistakable melody. Who Elise actually was remains uncertain; according to one widely discussed theory, the title may have resulted from a misreading and could originally have been “Für Therese”.

OVERTURE TO “THE BARBER OF SEVILLE”

(Gioachino Rossini: 1792 – 1868)

This is followed by the overture to Gioachino Rossini’s opera “The Barber of Seville”. With its sparkling temperament, characteristic crescendos and virtuoso lightness, it remains one of the most popular opera overtures in the repertoire.

RONDO ALLA TURCA, K. 331

(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 1756 – 1791)

Georgii Cherkin returns to the stage once again to perform his own arrangement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Rondo alla Turca”, K. 331, for piano and orchestra. With its unmistakable rhythm, virtuoso lightness and distinctive Turkish colour, the work ranks among Mozart’s best-known and most popular melodies.

SYMPHONY NO. 5 IN C MINOR, OP. 67

(Ludwig van Beethoven: 1770 – 1827)

The crowning conclusion to the concert evening is Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. Its iconic opening motif ranks among the most recognisable themes in the history of music and is often interpreted as “fate knocking at the door”. From this famous opening, Beethoven drives the music through an immense dramatic development towards its triumphant finale, bringing the evening to an impressive close.