Rachmaninov’s Paganini Rhapsody

Linton Stephens showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

Throughout the week we are spending time in the spectacular Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, with a series of recordings made in the eye-catching 2017 concert hall by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Today, pianist Kirill Gerstein joins the orchestra to perform Rachmaninov’s virtuosic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Janine Jansen is the violin soloist in the world premiere of Britta Byström’s piece Shortening Days.

In the wake of their live recital from London’s Wigmore Hall on Monday, we continue our focus on the brilliant Belgium Baroque ensemble Vox Luminis. From their concert at this year’s Salzburg Festival, we’ll hear them in Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s piece The Denial of St Peter.

And we return to Wigmore Hall for more highlights from the Classical Live Monday lunchtime concerts given there last year. A trio of former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists – violinist Johan Dalene, cellist Andreas Brantelid and pianist Christian Ihle Hadland – perform Ravel’s Piano Trio, recorded on the hallowed stage last July.

1pm
Maurice Ravel
Piano Trio in A minor
Johan Dalene (violin)
Andreas Brantelid (cello)
Christian Ihle Hadland (piano)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Serenata Notturna in D major, K. 239
Lausanne Chamber Orchestra
Ton Koopman (conductor)

Marc-Antoine Charpentier
The Denial of St Peter
Vox Luminis
Lionel Meunier (conductor)

Sergei Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Kirill Gerstein (piano)
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra
Alan Gilbert (conductor)

Britta Byström
Shortening Days [world premiere]
Janine Jansen (violin)
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live'.