Harold in Italy by Berlioz
Solo works for viola are sparse, but Berlioz's Harold in Italy is a unique exception. The composer was guided by Lord Byron's famous poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage'. He took four scenes from it in which the viola brilliantly transforms the lines of poetry into music. Timothy Ridout, one of the great viola players of our time and previously successful on stage with the Netherlands Philharmonic, signs for the solo part.
Sir Mark Elder conducts Debussy and Wagner
More English art in Debussy's Nocturnes , in this case with three paintings by British artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Three subtly impressionistic works of art that Debussy transforms into sound at least as impressionistic as the paintings themselves. The Netherlands Philharmonic is conducted by Sir Mark Elder, for many years one of the most famous conductors Britain has produced. With the Netherlands Philharmonic, he opens the concert with the birthday present Wagner composed for his beloved Cosima.
