Gewandhausorchester, Alan Gilbert Dirigent

Gewandhausorchester, Alan Gilbert Dirigent

Brahms' Third Symphony, premiered in 1884, is his shortest and focuses on depth. Hans von Bülow liked it so much he played it twice in one concert. Elgar's Violin Concerto, inspired by Fritz Kreisler's praise, took four years to compose. Its premiere shook Queen's Hall, and a year later, Arthur Nikisch led another impactful performance at the Gewandhaus.

Alan Gilbert & Alisa Weilerstein

Alan Gilbert & Alisa Weilerstein

Gewandhausorchester, Sakari Oramo Dirigent

Grażyna Bacewicz, a Polish violinist, pianist, and composer, debuted at the Grand Concert. Born in 1909, she studied music and philosophy, finding a mentor in Nadia Boulanger. Despite war and political upheaval, she composed prolifically across genres. A car accident in her prime forced her to limit performing, but her works gained recognition, she taught, and held cultural positions. She passed away 55 years ago. Whistler and Debussy, acquainted through Mallarmé's salon, created experimental Nocturnes. Debussy's orchestral triptych features the English horn, shimmering brass and woodwinds, and a women's chorus.

Gewandhausorchester, Sakari Oramo Dirigent

Since 1782, the Gewandhaus Orchestra has been committed to social causes, including the benefit concert for the "Leipzig hilft Kindern" foundation. This year's concert, featuring star pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and conductor Sakari Oramo, continues this tradition on the eve of the first Advent. The foundation has supported approximately 200 projects with over 1.25 million euros, aiding children in need.

Gewandhausorchester, Cristian Măcelaru Dirigent

Liszt composed tone poems about Orpheus, who overcomes death with music, and Prometheus, who inspires humanity with art. Orpheus's music is harmonious, while Prometheus's is dissonant, reflecting his suffering. Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto, sometimes called the "Orpheus Concerto," may be inspired by Orpheus. Leó Weiner, a Liszt admirer, orchestrated Liszt's B minor Sonata for the Liszt centenary in 1956.

Gewandhausorchester, Ingo Metzmacher Dirigent

Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra" impressed even Nietzsche. Arnold Böcklin's paintings were highly regarded in the late 19th century, inspiring artists like Klinger, Hofmannsthal, Brahms, and Busoni. Reger's Böcklin Suite includes pieces inspired by "The Isle of the Dead", "Bacchanal", "The Hermit Fiddler", and "Play of the Waves". Cellist Julius Klengel premiered both Strauss's and Reger's works at the Gewandhaus. Klengel's student, Rudolf Metzmacher, father of conductor Ingo Metzmacher, created an edition of Schumann's Cello Concerto that's still used today.

Gewandhausorchester, Ingo Metzmacher Dirigent

Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra" impressed even Nietzsche. Arnold Böcklin's paintings were highly regarded in the late 19th century, inspiring artists like Klinger, Hofmannsthal, Brahms, and Busoni. Reger's Böcklin Suite includes pieces inspired by "The Isle of the Dead", "Bacchanal", "The Hermit Fiddler", and "Play of the Waves". Cellist Julius Klengel premiered both Strauss's and Reger's works at the Gewandhaus. Klengel's student, Rudolf Metzmacher, father of conductor Ingo Metzmacher, created an edition of Schumann's Cello Concerto that's still used today.

Gewandhausorchester, Andris Nelsons Dirigent

Three good reasons to go to a concert: Love for music, emotional escape, and feeling inspired. Three secret reasons: alibi for mother-in-law's birthday, wrong Valentine's Day gift, and cheaper alternative to Beethoven. Three reasons for this concert: sentimental trumpet solos, family preferences (Mendelssohn, Nelsons, Jussen brothers), and the rarity of Mendelssohn's and Mahler's pieces.

Gewandhausorchester, Andris Nelsons Dirigent

Three good reasons to go to a concert: Love for music, emotional escape, and feeling inspired. Three secret reasons: alibi for mother-in-law's birthday, wrong Valentine's Day gift, and cheaper alternative to Beethoven. Three reasons for this concert: sentimental trumpet solos, family preferences (Mendelssohn, Nelsons, Jussen brothers), and the rarity of Mendelssohn's and Mahler's pieces.