BBC SSO - Stenhammar, Nielsen

Live from City Halls, Glasgow

Presented by Tom Redmond

An evening of refreshingly unfamiliar Scandinavian symphonic works with which conductor Andrew Manze, who spends much of his time in Sweden, has deep affinity.

He brings a relatively unknown composer's music to City Halls, Glasgow. Although in Sweden Wilhelm Stenhammar's music is highly regarded his work remains stubbornly unknown in the UK. His orchestral Serenade was written at the beginning of the 20th century and has echoes of Grieg and Sibelius. Its five evocative movements range widely in mood and are full of lyrical melodies and exuberant energy, often with a very direct simplicity.

And so to Nielsen's 6th Symphony - known as Sinfonia Semplice. Tonight this least familiar of Nielsen's Symphonies is performed in an enlightening transcription by the deeply thoughtful composer, Hans Abrahamsen. From its opening strikes on the glockenspiel to the vigorous conclusion of the final theme and variations it will be explored in this 'up close and personal' version with passion and commitment by Manze and the musicians of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Stenhammar: Serenade Op 31

8.05 Interval

8.25
Nielsen (transcr. Abrahamsen): Symphony No 6

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Manze (conductor).