Those who like to visualize music will have plenty to see during this concert. Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour is a fairytale-like orchestral piece that seems to come straight out of a fantasy film. In contrast, Vasks’ serene Lonely Angel stands, in which a solo violin wanders through a dreamy soundscape. And Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony seems to tell an unspecified story, with restrained drama and an exuberant finale.

Melodies that grab you by the throat immediately: the Czech master Dvořák conjured them almost out of thin air, to the envy of his colleagues. The Eighth Symphony is full of them. Here, you can also clearly hear how Czech folk dances inspired him to create rousing rhythms.

A fine contrast to Dvořák’s fire are the two subdued violin works on the program. The music of Latvian composer Peteris Vasks is highly recommended for lovers of Arvo Pärt; it is meditative and spiritually charged. And Chausson’s Poème is a poignant monologue by the violinist in a misty orchestral setting.

Program

P. Vasks
Lonely Angel

A. Clyne
This Midnight Hour

E. Chausson
Poème for violin and orchestra, op.25

A. Dvořák
Symphony No.8 in G major, op.88