大象传媒

The Philharmonia's Principal Conductor Designate, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, directs the orchestra in a programme of Russian favourites.

Borodin died before finishing his opera Prince Igor and the rousing Overture was reconstructed by Glazunov. With its exhilarating energy and ravishing lyricism, it sets the tone for this concert.

If Glazunov helped Borodin's reputation by bringing Prince Igor to life, he almost destroyed Rachmaninov's, by conducting the premiere of his First Symphony when drunk. The fiasco drove Rachmaninov into a severe and prolonged depression, which he eventually overcame with the help of a hypnotherapist. The breakthrough work was the Second Piano Concerto, suffused with yearning and memorable melodies. Behzod Abduraimov, born in Tashkent, joins the orchestra for what is one of the most popular of all piano concertos.

Prokofiev wrote his Fifth Symphony during World War II, describing it as a "hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit". A serene opening for solo flute and bassoon begins a journey through tension and struggle which ends in a spirit of optimism.

Recorded at the Royal Festival Hall, London on 9th February and presented by Ian Skelly.

Borodin:Overture, Prince Igor
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2

8.15 Interval: Bortniansky: Cantata No 27: I cried unto God.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Paul Hillier (director)

8.25
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5

Behzod Abduraimov (piano)
Philharmonia
Santtu-Matias Rouvali (conductor)