Manukau Symphony | Country Idylls

Kenneth Young - Conductor
Jason Bae - Piano Manukau Symphony Orchestra

Programme: KENNETH YOUNG Douce Tristesse
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58 in G major
DVORAK Symphony No. 6, Op. 60 in D major

Composer Kenneth Young writes: ‘Douce Tristesse (Sweet Sadness) was commissioned by Peter van Drimmelen and the Wellington Chamber Orchestra in 2012. It is a gentle and yet nostalgic work. I had in mind the idea of looking at a fond and familiar vista for the very last time. It is so beautiful and you love it so much, but you are aware that you will never see it again.’ Beethoven performed the premiére of his 4th Piano Concerto, together with his 4th Symphony, in 1808, two years after writing his Violin Concerto. He created a most beautiful tone-poem of rare delicacy and feeling, but also of fiery impetus. The mood is one of reflective reticence with a profoundly moving conversation between the piano soloist and the orchestra. Dvorak’s 6th Symphony was greatly influenced by his Czech country folk songs, together with the compositions of Brahms – whom he greatly admired. It is an exquisite expression of the rich folk music of his beloved Bohemian homeland. His noble themes open out to landscapes and dancing, and bear the stamp of a genius at his height. They provide a refreshing flavour, reminiscent of his Slavonic Dances and capture the Czech national styles within this classical symphonic form.