For his inaugural concert as the new Gewandhaus Orchestra conductor in Germany, Andris Nelsons chose three pieces, each with symbolic power.
At the center of the three pieces played is the ‘Scottish’ Symphony by Felix Mendelssohn, who was Nelsons’ most prominent predecessor. This work was premiered by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under the baton of the composer himself in 1842.
The Scottish symphony is framed by a commissioned work by the Leipzig composer Steffen Schleiermacher and by the Alban Berg Violin Concerto, a key work of classical modernism, as performed by Baiba Skride, violin.
There is no question about it: this program defines Andris Nelsons’ agenda. It professes Leipzig‘s rich musical tradition, spanning the period from the 19th to the 20th century, and to the music of our time.
Here is Baiba Skride performing the Berg violin concerto:
