Chopin and Mahler 1

Chopin’s Second Concerto is a closely woven partnership between soloist and orchestra, the lyrical writing turning the percussive piano into a poetic, singing instrument.

In Mahler’s First Symphony, the earth wakens to sounds of nature and nostalgic folk songs in the first movement. The middle movement is charm itself, while the finale is a funeral march to the tune of ‘Frère Jacques’. Not for nothing was the symphony nicknamed ‘Titan’.