Rattle and Freiburg Baroque Orchestra illuminate Schumann's 'problem' works at Proms
Conductor Simon Rattle led the period instrument ensemble through three lesser-known Schumann compositions at the Royal Albert Hall, including a violin concerto once locked away by the composer's executors.
At the Royal Albert Hall in London, guest conductor Simon Rattle led the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra through an all-Schumann programme featuring three works long considered problematic: an overture to an abandoned opera, a violin concerto deemed so disappointing that executors sequestered it for a century, and a symphony composed during the composer's depression. Violinist Isabelle Faust performed as soloist.
The Genoveva overture opened with a moody character, with Rattle and the ensemble drawing listeners through musical storytelling rather than volume, particularly via a striking quartet of horns. The work, closer to Mendelssohn than Wagner, was regarded as dated by 1848 standards but emerged "bristling with romance and chivalry" in this performance, despite the Royal Albert Hall's acoustic challenges for period instruments.
Sources
- Freiburg Baroque Orch/Rattle/Faust review – ‘problem’ Schumann works shine in exceptional evening — The Guardian — Culture
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Ukraine Signs Council of Europe Convention on TV Series Co-Production
The agreement, signed during the Carpathian Summit, is intended to open new opportunities for Ukrainian involvement in European television production.
Munich Adopts New Security Concept for 2026 Oktoberfest Featuring Artificial Intelligence
City authorities aim to prevent a repeat of the temporary closure that affected the world's largest beer festival last year
UN Resolution and New Initiatives Aim to Correct Global Perceptions of Africa
Efforts including a push to redraw the world map, school curriculum reforms and awareness campaigns seek to present a more accurate and positive image of the African continent, according to Deutsche Welle.
Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise Seen Sharing Suite at Arrowhead Stadium
The pop star and the actor were reported to have sat together while watching Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce play.
New £1m grant launched to help communities protect green spaces
Fund aims to support local groups safeguarding threatened wildlife sites and green spaces, according to a BBC report.
Volunteer Group Marks Ten Years Clearing Debris From UK Harbour
From an inflatable doll to a games console, members say the harbour clean-up project continues to surprise them a decade on
Comments
Loading comments…