Mahler's First Symphony

Conductor Elena Schwarz joins the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate the power of the human spirit and the natural world.

Initially inspired by Hokusai's woodblock print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', Debussy put the final touches to 'La Mer' as he holidayed in Eastbourne. He wanted the symphonic sketches to create the atmosphere and character of the sea rather than be just a portrait, and the exoticism of the Japanese woodblock and the grey power of the English Channel are virtuosically combined into an enduring Impressionist favourite.

The opening of Mahler's First Symphony with its vivid depiction of bird song and title referencing Spring sets the scene for music which incorporates popular folk song, dance, and a distinctive use of orchestral colour. A spellbinding opening introduces an immersive and compulsive listen right through to the triumphant conclusion.

Star trombonist Peter Moore joins the BBC Philharmonic as soloist in Dani Howard's award-winning concerto, a lush and minimalist-inspired celebration of the spirit of hope and collaboration shown by so many people during the pandemic.

Recorded at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall and presented by Linton Stephens.

Debussy: La Mer
Dani Howard: Trombone Concerto

Music Interval

Mahler: Symphony No.1

Peter Moore (trombone)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Elena Schwarz (conductor)

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