Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra & Sir Simon Rattle

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle conductor

Thomas Adès Aquifer Irish Premiere 
Bruckner Symphony No. 4, Romantic

The National Concert Hall’s most ambitious season ever begins with one of Europe’s great ensembles, the mighty Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by living legend Sir Simon Rattle.

An epic experience, Bruckner’s Romantic Symphony marks the 200th anniversary of his birth and launches a season focus on the environment and natural world. 

One of today’s leading composers and longtime collaborator with Rattle, Thomas Adès ‘knows exactly what he is doing’ (New York Times). In its Irish premiere, Aquifer is inspired by the natural phenomenon where reserves of water are held in rock and sediment. Rattle describes it as ‘a kind of virtuoso celebration of what an orchestra can do… the colours pop out in an extraordinary way’.

Did you know?

Bruckner’s Fourth symphony is one of most popular works; Bruckner himself titled it ‘Romantic’. He described the first movement as ‘medieval city – dawn – from the castle towers sound the early morning calls – the gates open – the knights ride forth on their proud mounts – the magic of the forest receives them, with forest sounds and bird calls…’.

Aquifer was first heard in Munich earlier this year.

Listen out for…

In Bruckner’s Romantic symphony: 
The horn solo at the beginning set against shimmering strings; 

The funeral march that ends the second movement and the drum taps which lead to unearthly silence;

The use of the waltz-like Ländler, a rustic folk dance, in the third movement’s ‘Hunt’ Scherzo which elevates nature to cosmic dimensions inked in by the Finale’s thrilling struggle back towards light.

Presented by NCH