Berlioz, Rachmaninoff and Bartók | Oxford Symphony Orchestra

Berlioz wrote several concert overtures, and his work which became known as Le corsaire is one of his most famous and exciting concert pieces. Its rhythms dramatically portray the wind, sea and storms, to provide the setting for a swashbuckling pirate chief to disguise himself in order to obtain entry to a sultan's palace.

Rachmaninoff wrote four piano concertos in total, and the second of these is the most popular by far. This exquisite work contains rich textural detail, and its tension and sweeping melodies play on the emotions of the listener.

Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra contains colourful themes inspired by his native Hungary, and showcases in turn individual sections or players of the orchestra. Vibrant melodies and rhythmic intensity pervade this famous masterpiece from Bartók.