This is a program full of variety. The pieces by Liszt and Kodály are brimming with Hungarian folk music, featuring a captivating alternation of melancholic melodies and rousing dance rhythms. Moreover, they are beautifully orchestrated, with velvety clarinet parts and buzzing strings. A fine contrast is provided by Quiet City by Aaron Copland, one of the founding fathers of American music. Trumpet and English horn play a solo role here: together, they make the nocturnal loneliness of a large American city audible.

The highlight is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The opening notes—tatata taaa!—grew into a musical symbol and even made their way into pop music. Do not expect a ’tame’ symphony: everything revolves around dramatic contrasts, from the alarming beginning to the exuberant finale. With this work, Beethoven proved himself a true revolutionary. Never before had a composer made the struggle for human existence so strikingly audible. It is no coincidence that the piece was given the nickname ‘Symphony of Fate’. With a happy ending, though.

Program

F. Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 in D minor.

A. Copland
Quiet City

Z. Kodály
Dancing from Galánta

L. v. Beethoven
Symphony no.5, op.67