Philharmonia Orchestra

Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra is probably his best-known work. Written in 1943 and one of his final works, all the hallmarks of Bartók's music are here - fierce rhythmic energy, vivid extremes of colour, folk themes interwoven with glorious melodies. It is a spectacle in every sense, and one that demands a virtuoso display from the entire orchestra - the musical equivalent of a peacock displaying its plumage. In this evening's concert it is performed alongside Bartók's lyrical Violin Concerto No.2, another late work and in essence an extended series of melodic variations.