6th symphony concert

"Rough paths lead to the stars."

The concerto for cello and orchestra by English composer Edward Elgar was initially a flop at its premiere. The audience had expected something different. Elgar was primarily known for his magnificent Pomp and Circumstance marches. His Cello Concerto was composed in 1919 immediately after the end of the First World War and following a serious personal crisis and illness on Elgar's part. Tender, melancholy and at times sad, this work breathes an intimate, great emotional depth and is today regarded as one of the highlights of the Romantic concerto literature.

Gustav Mahler also knew his way around a crisis: The Austrian composer sat with a stubborn writer's block before his 7th Symphony. But Mahler knew how to help himself: Sometimes you just have to get out of the house to take your mind off things. And while rowing across Lake Wörthersee, the creative knot finally burst. The result is a mysterious and powerful symphony full of fascinating night sounds and the unworldly solitude of night-walking musicians.

General Music Director André de Ridder and the world-famous cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, who is based in Freiburg, meet in the 6th symphony concert with the Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra for a starry journey.

Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934): Cello Concerto
Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911): Symphony No. 7
"Song of the Night"

Musical direction: André de Ridder
With: Jean-Guihen Queyras (solo cellist), Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra (orchestra)

INTRODUCTION | 18:45 h