Leipzig, Germany – Gewandhaus Orchestra – Pärt, Bartók, Rachmaninov

Vasily Petrenko conductor
Boris Giltburg piano
Gewandhaus Orchestra

Programme:
Pärt: Greater Antiphons für Streichorchester (German Premiere)
Bartók: 3. Konzert für Klavier und Orchester Sz 119
Rachmaninov: Sinfonische Tänze op. 45

VENUE NOTE
To counter one’s own death, something so intangible and terrifying, with something beautiful, even optimistic, is a deeply human impulse and at the same time a wish that both Béla Bartók and Sergei Rachmaninoff transformed into music. This evening we will perform Bartók’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 3 and Rachmaninoff’s vibrant “Symphonic Dances,” as well as a new musical beginning: the German premiere of “Greater Antiphons” for string orchestra by Gewandhaus composer Arvo Pärt. Originally written for choir, Pärt later created this version for strings. Conductor Vasily feels a deep connection to the music of the Estonian composer: “I love the music of Arvo Pärt! It has been a part of my life since childhood, when I sang some of his choral works in the boys’ choir. In general, his music conveys a very special temporal dimension and state of mind, connected to the deep religious feelings and natural landscape of Estonia. I feel a very organic connection to both, having grown up very close to this beautiful country and having visited it often.”