Swedish Philharmonia

The opening piece is by one of Sweden’s most renowned composers, and lives up to its name. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto was written while on holiday in Switzerland recovering from his disastrous marriage. It begins in heroic vein, followed by a tender and beautiful slow movement.

The spectacular finale takes the form of a whirling Russian dance. Sibelius’ second symphony was written largely in Italy and inhabits a very different musical world from the northern darkness of his first. The sense of renewal and exploration continues through its four movements before building inexorably to the final thrilling brass theme.