John Adams, Beethoven and Ives

Inspired by the cultural and social history of California and by film noir of the 1940s and 1950s, John Adams's 'City Noir' is a symphony of cinematic scope and dark jazz. Sections of high energy and scurrying woodwind are contrasted with cinematic lyricism. The music, writes Adams, 'should have the slightly disorientating effect of a very crowded boulevard peopled with strange characters, like those of a David Lynch film - the kind who only come out very late on a hot night.'

A lonely trumpet and a quartet of flutes provide more dark drama in Charles Ives's 'Unanswered Question'. Written a century before 'City Noir' its modernity and innovation are still startling.

Alim Beisembeyev provides an answer to the Ives as he joins the BBC Philharmonic for Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto. As a BBC New Generation Artist he forged a relationship with the orchestra, and this is his first concert with them as a graduate of the scheme.

Recorded at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on 17 January.
Presented by Tom McKinney

Ives: The Unanswered Question
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4

8.10
Interval

John Adams: City Noir

Alim Beisembeyev (piano)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds (conductor)

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