Vienna 1897: Brahms’ Last Concert

“Today you will hear a real piece!” So declared Brahms to his companion of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto before attending what we believe was his last concert, which also included his own Fourth Symphony. Two good friends of the OAE, Steven Isserlis and Maxim Emelyanychev, join for the finale of our season in celebration the OAE’s 40th Anniversary.

Tonight’s event “reconstructs” the programme of a concert on 7 March 1897. It was the last time Brahms attended a public performance of his own music. That evening the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Hans Richter, were to play the three pieces here in what may seem like a curious order to modern audiences (particularly given the ending of ‘La Chasse’…)

Vienna in 1897 was one of the world’s great cultural capitals and the centre of a fractious empire divided along ethnic and linguistic lines. At the end of the century it was a rapidly expanding city moving towards more liberal attitudes with the emergence of an anti-commercial artistic movement led by Gustav Klimt. In musical circles, Mahler was appointed as Music Director at the Court Opera and Brahms remained a voice of authority. He had done much to promote Dvořák as his successor, although the Czech composer had resisted a permanent move.

Price: £17 – £90 (Premium £95)

Priority booking only. General booking on 31 October, 10.00am