BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony

Imagine this. A journey from darkness to light. Struggles between love and despair inspiring a pulse-raising masterpiece. 

Lera Auerbach               Icarus (c.12 mins)  
Shostakovich                 Violin Concerto No.1 (c.38 mins)  

Interval 
Tchaikovsky                   Symphony No.5 (c.46 mins)  

Rosanne Philippens      Violin  
Gemma New                  Conductor   

Sometimes art imitates life so closely that you can almost feel its breath. “With passion and desire” wrote Tchaikovsky on the slow movement of his Fifth Symphony, and the whole piece is a struggle between love and despair, told in elegant waltzes, bittersweet songs and melody after sweeping melody. Gemma New is always a popular guest conductor here in Scotland, and she knows exactly how to get to the heart of a masterpiece – whether Lera Auerbach’s fiery retelling of the myth of Icarus, or the shadows, secrets and burning truths of Shostakovich’s powerful First Violin Concerto. Rosanne Philippens is the soloist today: a violinist who believes that every note should convey emotion, and forge a connection.