Berliner Philharmoniker / Sir Simon Rattle

The Berliner Philharmoniker’s first programme at the musikfest berlin is defined by the dynamic relationship between tradition and the modern. Dvořák’s splendid and undeservedly little-known Piano Concerto, whose solo is performed by none other than András Schiff, is matched against twentieth-century works. Ferruccio Busoni tapped into his extensive knowledge of tradition, but he was also a great visionary and source of inspiration who encouraged Varèse to follow his own artistic path. In Ionisation, Varèse creates a fascinating sound experiment and compositional cabinet piece using only the power of rhythm. The music for the ballet The Miraculous Mandarin, usually performed only in a shortened form as a suite for orchestra, is a high point among Bartók’s works. In depicting the extreme spiritual state of a story spurred on by greed and lust, Bartók’s music achieves an overwhelming sense of density and immediacy.