In this afternoon’s live BBC Radio 3 broadcast with BBC Philharmonic Chief Conductor Omer Meir Wellber, we hear an Elgar classic and two pieces from German-born Israeli composer Ben-Haim.
Completed in 1945, today’s performance of Pastorale Variée for Clarinet, Harp, and String Orchestra sees BBC Philharmonic Principal Clarinet John Bradbury as soloist. A blend of Hebrew, Western European and Arabic musical traditions, its principal theme takes inspiration from a shepherd’s tune and ends in peace and tranquillity. Continuing the theme, we also hear Pan, a symphonic poem that takes its name from the Ancient Greek God of nature, pasturelands, shepherds and flocks.
Nestled between, current BBC New Generation Artist Anastasia Kobekina joins the orchestra for the most treasured cello concerto of all. Intimate, nostalgic and passionate, it’s Elgar’s memorial for a world changed beyond measure by the Great War and has a warm place in the hearts of all who hear it.
