Philharmonia Orchestra: Beethoven and Shostakovich

Nil Venditti conductor
Anastasia Kobekina cello

Beethoven Coriolan Overture
Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1
Beethoven Symphony No. 7

Beethoven judged his Symphony No. 7 to be one of his best compositions – musicians, critics, and thousands of listeners since would agree. More than two centuries after its triumphant premiere, the symphony is a mainstay of the orchestral repertoire – you might recognise its beautiful slow movement from the 2010 Oscar-winning film, The King’s Speech.

We hear a darker side to Beethoven in the concert’s opening piece – his Coriolan Overture. We’re taken on a dramatic journey through war, loyalty and tragedy, packed into under 10 minutes of music inspired by the ancient Roman leader, Coriolanus.

In between the two Beethoven works is Shostakovich’s fiery Cello Concerto No. 1. Widely considered the height of achievement for a cellist, the piece gives the principal horn, celesta, and indeed every member of the orchestra, the chance to shine too. Tonight, we hear it in the hands of soloist Anastasia Kobekina, prize winner at the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition.