Philharmonia Orchestra: Borodin, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev

From Russia with love: the Philharmonia Orchestra presents a dramatic all-Russian programme with Principal Guest Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

The orchestra welcomes Behzod Abduraimov – ‘the most perfectly accomplished pianist of his generation’ (The Independent) – who takes centre stage for what is arguably the most popular Piano Concerto in history.

Composed as Rachmaninov completed his recovery from years of depression, his Second Piano Concerto is a passionate outpouring of creativity: stormy strings, achingly lonely clarinet, and a heartfelt piano part with more memorable melodies than many composers write in a lifetime.

Written in one feverish month during World War II, Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony is a hymn to freedom: he said ‘the music matured within me – it filled my soul’.

A serene opening for solo flute and bassoon begins a journey spanning all human emotion, from the military ferocity of the second movement to a lyrical choir of cellos in the fourth movement.

At the heart of the piece lies the heart-breaking third movement, its dreamy melody rising to an anguished climax, before fading gently away to nothing.

Programme

Borodin Overture, Prince Igor
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2
– interval –
Prokofiev Symphony No.5 in B flat

Performers

Philharmonia Orchestra
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor
Behzod Abduraimov piano