Brahms / Dvořák

Originally planned as a sonata for two pianos, then a symphony, it ultimately became a piano concerto—the first composed by Johannes Brahms. It was composed over the course of five years, during which the composer was deeply affected by the gradual deterioration of his friend Robert Schumann's health. In response to this, we find the words “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” inscribed above the notes in the slow movement, Adagio, which is often referred to as the Requiem for Schumann.

Antonín Dvořák's penultimate symphony was performed at its premiere at Prague's Rudolfinum and in London under the composer's own baton. The British audience applauded after each movement of the symphony, which deeply moved Dvořák. After the premiere, the critic Hanslick remarked that the symphony “exudes a refreshing breath of something fresh and original.”

In collaboration with the Slovak Philharmonic and its chief conductor Daniel Raiskin, the outstanding Russian pianist Alexei Volodin, renowned for his highly sensitive touch, technical brilliance, and exceptionally broad repertoire.