Top pianist Dejan Lazić literally has his hands full with Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto. Here, the piano is an orchestra in itself: the entire instrument sings and resonates. Together with the NNO, this produces a monumental sound, yet one that is neither ponderous nor heavy. The piece is full of light and dance-like moments. The shifts in atmosphere make it one of the most captivating compositions of the Romantic era. Moreover, there is plenty to see, as the intense interplay between orchestra and piano keeps the musicians on the edge of their seats.

Schumann’s Fourth Symphony is not his best-known, but it is certainly one of the most expressive. It is a wondrous ‘narrative’ that becomes increasingly compelling. Small themes come and go in the piece, appear in new forms, and ultimately all seem to be connected. Above all, you hear Schumann’s vast experience as a song composer here: you could attach a text to every melody.

Program

J. Brahms
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83
R. Schumann
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120