Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Scythian Suite, Op.20

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's prom brought to a fitting close a magical weekend of music from musicians north of the border.

Familiar works of Mozart and Beethoven were paired with pieces by Hindemith and Prokofiev for an eclectic program. 

A colourful concert from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Andrew Litton, which included two world premières and the fourth Proms appearance of Russian violinist Alina Ibragimova.

A ruthless Russian leader quelling revolt and uniting his country through waging war on its neighbours: the theme of Sergei Eisenstein’s film Ivan the Terrible, intended as a Soviet propagandist parable, raises a knowing eyebrow even today. Excerpts from Prokofiev’s score formed the bulk of this raucously enjoyable concert by the Philharmonia under Vladimir Ashkenazy, beneath a screening of key scenes from the film itself.

Whoever curated last night’s BBC SO concert, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard, needs a medal. Not only were the pieces united by virtue of being composed at the same time during the dark years of the First World War, but also each composer seems to find something passionately troubled to say which reflected their vintage – an unusual combination of neglected works, two of which are masterpieces.