Three peerless melodists make up this enticing programme from the Royal Northern Sinfonia, under their new Principal Conductor, Dinis Sousa. No-one knows why Schubert abandoned work on his haunting 8th Symphony but he left us a compelling, dark drama, its poignant, singing lines set against threatening storm clouds. Written in just three weeks, Saint-Saëns’s most popular concerto is as rich in melody as Schubert’s symphony, although its mood-shifts are more marked. Its lyrical, Romantic opening, with nods to the composer’s idol, Bach, switches to champagne-popping celebration before racing into a dizzying final movement. The acclaimed Swiss virtuoso, Louis Schwizgebel, making his Nottingham debut, is the perfect soloist to negotiate its deft twists and turns.
Mozart wrote his 40th Symphony when his fortunes were in steep decline, but it remains one of his greatest achievements. A restless hustle of violas sets the scene for an urgent, questing journey, played out in the composer’s most transparent and persuasive writing. Amongst the highlights, Mozart gives us a sombre yet sensual slow movement and an explosive finale whose resolute momentum carries all before it.
Free pre-concert talk, 6.20pm in the auditorium: Louis Schwizgebel in conversation.