Classical Concerts at

Prinzregententheater

Sir Simon Rattle · BRSO hip

“HIP” is not only the abbreviation for ’Historically Informed Performance,’ but above all denotes Sir Simon Rattle’s initiative to expand the BRSO repertoire with baroque music – played on period instruments. The Chief Conductor commences with three of Bach’s most beautiful cantatas. Herr, gehe nicht ins Gericht is full of poignant friction and sigh-laden progressions. Every note of Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben contains a longing for death, but also the assurance of an eternal life. Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan is probably most akin to chamber music: with its sparse instrumentation and the omission of a final chorale, it occupies a unique position among Bach’s cantatas.

Andrea Marcon · BRSO hip

“Historically informed performance” can sound unwieldy. This is why there is a catchier colloquial abbreviation: “HIP,” which denotes something that is “modern,” or even “trendy.” According to BRSO Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, his beloved baroque music, played on period instruments, is “trending” (another colloquial verb), and he wants to add it to the orchestra’s repertory and profile. Andrea Marcon, at the invitation of Sir Simon, will conduct this season’s second HIP matinee. As a deliberate contrast to the first matinee that featured Bach cantatas, the second matinee will focus primarily on the Italian Baroque, including Vivaldi’s well-known Four Seasons. Francesco Maria Veracini’s compositions are likely to be new to some listeners – and perhaps they will even be HIP by the end of the concert.

Daniel Hope : Chamber orchestra

Gastspiel München

Composer Fanny Hensel's work was long overshadowed by her famous brother Felix Mendelssohn, receiving proper recognition far too late. Robert Schumann's violin concerto suffered a similar fate, deemed a failed attempt and shelved by performers, with its release forbidden for 100 years. Today it's in the repertoire, and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 will form an impressive closing piece for the evening.