symphony concert11

The question “Who am I?” underlies all the works in this concert program. In search of his musical identity, Ernst Bloch included his experiences, desires and dreams in this “recited” cello concerto full of orchestral colours that is based on the Old Testament figure of King Solomon. Bloch was searching for music with “Hebrew themes.” His Russian colleague Sergej Prokofjew was one of the first composers who captured the typical sound of klezmer music in his Overture on Hebrew Themes. Peter Tschaikowsky, too, found himself through his composing. “The Fourth originates from my very being and was composed with true inspiration, love and fervent enthusiasm. There is not a note in the score that did not arise from my sincerest feelings.” Hopelessness but also joy and happiness permeate this autobiographically tinged symphony. Cellist Nicolas Altstaedt and conductor Lahav Shani – two of the most versatile and internationally popular young concert artists – are performing with the Gürzenich Orchestra.