Brahms revered Beethoven and this admiration weighed so heavily on him that he struggled for decades with the idea of writing a symphony. Brahms himself declared that his First Symphony, from sketches to finishing touches, took 21 years, from 1855 to 1876 but although only received politely received at its première it was soon being nicknamed ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’. Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto had a similarly prolonged gestation, from 1839 to 1861. Cast in a single movement it is based on a single theme that is transformed throughout and assumes many varied characters.
This concert was originally to be conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. Click here to read the Philharmonia's tribute to Sir Charles.
More concerts at Royal Festival Hall
Gatti conducts in London
May 17 2012, 19:30 - Royal Festival Hall
Daniele Gatti conducts Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and Wagner's Prelude to Act III and Good Friday Music from Parsifal
Valčuha conducts in London
May 19 2012, 19:30 - Royal Festival Hall
Juraj Valčuha conducts Dvořák's Cello Concerto performed by Alisa Weilerstein alongside Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and the Overture from Mozart's Don Giovanni
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Symphony No. 1 (1st Movement)
Download the first movement of Brahms's Symphony No. 1.
London 2010/11 season
Find out more about the Philharmonia's 2010/11 season at Royal Festival Hall.
