Herbert Blomstedt

This is what moves us: for a very long time now, we have had the honour of performing under the baton of Herbert Blomstedt, who is now in his 100th year. On this occasion, we join him in exploring Franz Schubert's symphonic world – first with a piece full of youthful vigour and then with a famous late work. His »path to the great symphony«, as he himself put it, began with six early attempts in which he dealt with tradition in a creative and exploratory manner – although he naturally noticed the dominance of his fellow composer and was troubled by the question: »Who can still create anything after Beethoven?« Schubert wrote his Symphony in D major in 1815, at the age of 18, in an amazingly short time for an amateur orchestra in which he played the viola – amidst the »chatter and clatter« of the other members. The result is a piece that wins over listeners with its charm, liveliness and individuality. Following this is Schubert's crowning achievement in the genre, with which he created one of the most significant works in the entire musical canon: he began his »Great C major« Symphony in 1825, a year after the premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth in Vienna, which he presumably experienced. In the finale, there is even a passage that is melodically reminiscent of the popular »Joy« theme, perhaps as a bow to his role model – or as a deliberate demonstration of personal independence. This promises to be a fascinating musical journey with our honorary conductor, who once so beautifully put it: »If I succeed in moving the hearts of humanity, then I am happy.«