Musical Romanticism, explored by Pieter de Oude.
Today: Mendelssohn’s second concerto for piano and Reinecke’s second symphony ‘Hakon Jarl’.
Tonight, Radio Romantica is filled with two lesser-known works. First, you will listen to Mendelssohn’s second piano concerto. The composer wrote this work in a serious tone for the Birmingham Music Festival. He ventured the crossing himself for the premiere. Actually, Mendelssohn was often on the other side of the North Sea, as can be seen in his Scottish Symphony and the Hebrides Overture. His choral works were also performed regularly at English festivals. Tonight, Ronald Brautigam will present a lively performance on a modern grand piano. He is delicately accompanied by, what at the time of the recording (1995), was still called Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam, conducted by Lev Markiz.
After this, you will hear the second symphony of Carl Reinecke. And this will be the first time for many of you! In his time, around 1860, Reinecke was a well-known pianist, conductor, composer, and teacher. Unfortunately, his 300 compositions are not being played in 2020. This comprehensive symphony is a thorough orchestral work and Reinecke was inspired by a Norwegian saga, as adapted for the stage by the Danish writer Oehlensläger. Reinecke had a soft spot for these Viking stories. He was born in Altona in the north of Germany, which at that time belonged to Denmark.
Playlist:
- Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Concerto No.2 for piano and orchestra in D minor, Op.40
Ronald Brautigam, piano/Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam conducted by Lev Markiz/BIS 718
- Carl Reinecke, Symphony No.2 in C minor ‘Hakon Jarl’, Op. 134
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Howard Shelley / CHANDOS 9893
