Vaughan Williams and Beethoven

The evening

Hear two contrasting sides to the great 20th-century English composer Vaughan Williams, plus Beethoven’s majestic Third Piano Concerto.

With its expressive beauty and folksong-like melodies, Vaughan Williams’ 1922 A Pastoral Symphony was long thought to be an affectionate portrait of England’s rolling hills. But within those four slow movements lie an anguished, ultimately hopeful, response to World War I. Composed 34 years later, Symphony No 8 was premiered during the dawn of the new Elizabethan age. It’s a tauter, more rhythmic work, at times dance-like, yet still offering moments of deep introspection.

Mozartian elegance and grace surround Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 3, a work that nevertheless includes moments of profound beauty, especially in the yearning second movement.

Sir Antonio Pappano continues his acclaimed Vaughan Williams cycle, and is joined by Bruce Liu, winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition and one of today’s most versatile pianists.

The work of the Chief Conductor with the LSO is generously supported by Alex & Elena Gerko, and members of the Chief Conductor’s Circle.

Recorded for broadcast on Mezzo