Death and Transfiguration

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales are joined by conductor Alexandre Bloch to perform a Violin Concerto, a Concerto for Orchestra and, finally, Strauss's Death and Transfiguration. To begin, Veronika Eberle is soloist in Beethoven's Violin Concerto, a work which was not well received when Beethoven was alive but would eventually become considered as one of the greatest German Violin Concertos. George Benjamin's Concerto for Orchestra serves as both a tribute to, and a portrait of, his dear friend and titan of British music, the late Oliver Knussen. The short, vibrant work is bursting with energy, humour, and spirit. To conclude the concert, Richard Strauss's ravishing depiction of a dying artist who laments his failings as a mortal before ascending to achieve immortal redemption in his Death and Transfiguration.

Presented by Shân Cothi in BBC Hoddinott Hall, and recorded on the 14th of May.

Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D major, Op 61
George Benjamin: Concerto for Orchestra
R Strauss: Death and Transfiguration, TrV 158

Veronika Eberle (violin)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Alexandre Bloch (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert”.