Pablo Heras-Casado conducts Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique

SWR Symphonieorchester / Pablo Heras-Casado

Anton Bruckner was extremely critical of his compositions throughout his lifetime – with just a few exceptions: he described his Sixth Symphony as his »boldest« and the »Te Deum« as the »pride of his life«. It is absolutely fitting, then, that the world-renowned conductor Pablo Heras-Casado should be congratulating the composer on his 200th birthday with this programme performed by a large orchestra! The »Te Deum« is a mighty creation in praise of God, with an orchestra performing alongside an organ, choir and four vocal soloists. They include the sought-after soprano Christina Landshamer and the bass Franz-Josef Selig, who recently impressed Hamburg audiences in Wagner’s »Flying Dutchman« at the State Opera. Bruckner most likely wanted to impress even divine powers with the five-part work but, that aside, has certainly been inspiring audiences down here on earth ever since the premiere. We can only guess as to what exactly Bruckner found so bold about his Sixth Symphony, but there are many possible reasons: the succinct rhythm right at the start, the energy of which is perpetuated throughout the entire first movement. Or perhaps it alludes to the third movement, which swings back and forth between spooky sequences and blaring brass. Viewed as a whole, the symphonies are among Bruckner’s most »secular« works, making them the perfect counterpart to the Te Deum.

Gewandhausorchester, Pablo Heras-Casado Dirigent

Grosse Concerte Gewandhausorchester, Pablo Heras-Casado Dirigent.

Gewandhausorchester, Pablo Heras-Casado Dirigent

Konzerteinführung mit Ann-Katrin Zimmermann um 18.45 Uhr - Schumann-Eck

Symphonie Fantastique

Berlioz claimed that his Symphonie fantastique depicted an opium dream, but really he was just high on the sound of a supersized orchestra going for broke.Sex and drugs and symphony orchestras: Hector Berlioz claimed that his Symphonie fantastique depicted an opium dream, but really he was just high on the sound of a supersized orchestra going for broke. Love, witchcraft, severed heads – it’s all here, in psychedelic colours, and you’d better believe that it’s a hard act to follow. That’s why Edward Gardner and the superb violinist Augustin Hadelich are setting the scene with Britten’s powerful Violin Concerto, and with the world premiere of Sphinx by David Sawer – a British composer whose raw imagination can give even Berlioz a run for his money.

Symphonie fantastique

Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique" takes the audience on a journey through an artist's life, experiencing a groundbreaking sound journey. The artist, infatuated with a woman, sees her at a ball, seeks peace in the countryside, and has opium-induced visions of his execution and a demonic burial. Béla Bartók's 2nd Violin Concerto also traverses diverse worlds, with Christian Tetzlaff as the soloist, experiencing a thrilling finale.

Symphonie fantastique

Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique" takes the audience on a journey through an artist's life, experiencing a groundbreaking sound journey. The artist, infatuated with a woman, sees her at a ball, seeks peace in the countryside, and has opium-induced visions of his execution and a demonic burial. Béla Bartók's 2nd Violin Concerto also traverses diverse worlds, with Christian Tetzlaff as the soloist, experiencing a thrilling finale.

Pablo Heras-Casado & Anja Petersen

Jüri Reinvere is the third leading composer of his native Estonia, alongside Arvo Pärt and Erkki-Sven Tüür. He is also an accomplished concert pianist, lyric poet, journalist and essayist for newspapers in Estonia, Finland, Great Britain and Germany, where he has been living since 2005. Given this cosmopolitan life, it comes as no surprise that his music focuses on theological themes as well as touching on politics, history, and episodes from daily life. Arnulf Herrmann’s newly commissioned Tour de Trance draws inspiration from the verses of poetess and essayist Monika Rinck. His interest in language in all its guises has long stood in the foreground of his music. His special way of handling melody, rhythm and diction poses extraordinary challenges for the singer – challenges that soprano Anja Petersen is happy to confront.

Pablo Heras-Casado & Yefim Bronfman

Pablo Heras-Casado & Yefim Bronfman

FEL!X. Anima Eterna Brugge | Pablo Heras-Casado

In 2024, Anima Eterna Brugge, led by Pablo Heras-Casado, will perform Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 on period instruments. Heras-Casado believes their interpretation will be transparent and light, yet retain the depth of Bruckner's message. Supported by Kuratorium KölnMusik e.V., Kunststiftung NRW, and the Flemish Ministry of Culture.