Iván Fischer conducts the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Mendelssohn, Debussy, Satie and Ravel

Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn knew how to use airy string sororities to unveil a world of enchantment. And his Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream proves he could create such magic at the young age of seventeen! The opening chords are said to be inspired by the evening breeze whispering through the leaves in the garden of his childhood home. James Ehnes makes his debut with the Concertgebouw Orchestra playing Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto.

Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel

Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel were acknowledged masters of writing subtle and transparent orchestral colours. Ravel’s ballet music for Daphnis et Chloé has always been an audience favourite. However, Debussy’s early work, Printemps, aroused vehement criticism. For the first time, his music was called ‘Impressionistic,’ but the composer didn’t like the label. And although that orchestration was lost, Henri Büsser made a new one. Debussy’s orchestration of Erik Satie’s piano work Gymnopédie No. 3 helped elevate his eccentric friend’s reputation. Francis Poulenc, a great admirer of Satie, also arranged some of his piano music for orchestra.