Curtain Raiser

In his last symphony, Prokofiev aims for simplicity and nostalgia, but is persuaded to provide an alternative ending to impress the Soviet authorities. Introduced by Matthew Crawford.

Prokofiev conducted the premiere of his Fifth Symphony in 1944 and within months it was also being performed in America and the composer was on the cover of TIME magazine. Introduced by Matthew Crawford.

Beethoven had been living with deafness for over a decade when he played piano for the première of this Trio. Introduced by Peter Watts.

Beethoven's elegant and genial 4th piano concerto, composed at the same time as his more famous 5th symphony, is introduced by Peter Watts.

A batch of polkas & waltzes presented by Inge van Rij.

Mysterious relationships, presented by Inge van Rij.

Brahms’s Violin Concerto represents a high point in the relationship between composer and violinist. Presented by Inge van Rij.

Brahms’s first symphony reflects the traditions of monumentalisation that formed around Beethoven. Presented by Inge van Rij.