Saturday 19 April 2008 - 7.30pmSt. Mark's Church Broomhill
| Sibelius | Symphony no. 6 |
| Bruckner | Symphony no. 6 |
Two sixth symphonies; one cool and refined, the other warm and affectionate. Sibelius and Bruckner were both master symphonists; and to hear them approach the business of writing a symphony at a similar stage in their careers in two completely different ways should be a fascinating experience.
The Sibelius is a delicate and elusive work, conjuring up images of mountainous landscapes, running streams and above all a vast expanse of rugged Finnish terrain - this beautiful symphony is one of the quietest and most intensely personal in the entire repertoire. The Bruckner is surprisingly swift-moving; not here the craggy rocks and giant edifices of some of the longer Bruckner works, but passion, mystery and even a hint of the erotic in the glorious slow movements. Neither work is heard often enough - this is a wonderful opportunity to encounter both at one sitting.