Simon Rattle conducts Bruckner and Widmann

With both works in this programme, the Berliner Philharmoniker are building on established traditions: during his time as chief conductor, Sir Simon Rattle often performed symphonies by Bruckner – but never the Sixth. The world premiere of Jörg Widmann’s Horn Concerto, on the other hand, follows solo works by the composer for flute, violin and piano, which have often made a great impression in Philharmoniker concert programmes. Widmann himself is one of the most successful clarinettists of our time and loves to push his fellow musicians to the limits of what is possible. Stefan Dohr, principal horn with the Philharmoniker since 1993, has already impressed alongside his orchestra in world premieres of horn concertos by Toshio Hosokawa and Hans Abrahamsen.

After completing his Fifth Symphony, Bruckner waited four years before he began composing his Sixth in 1879. Although this is one of the composer’s most accessible works and is characterised by its conciseness and beauty, it led a shadowy existence in the repertoire for a long time. The first movement is dominated by a captivating rhythm; in the adagio, Bruckner shows himself to be a great melodist. The scherzo in particular is “bold” in the sense of daring, with its material consisting of seemingly fragmentary motifs. As in all his mature symphonies, the composer returns to the main theme of the first movement at the end of the finale.

Like Bruckner’s other symphonies, the Sixth also exudes a sense of grandeur. In this case, it is probably not due so much to the composer’s faith: while composing the symphony, one of his few trips abroad took Bruckner to southern Germany and Switzerland, and it is thought that the overwhelming impression created by the sight of Mont Blanc is echoed in his symphony.

Berliner Philharmoniker

Sir Simon Rattle

Stefan Dohr