London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

Serenity, beauty and the sense of an ending infuse music by Richard Strauss and Mahler, preluded by Gerhard’s immersive soundscapes.

Richard Strauss’s almost overwhelmingly beautiful Four Last Songs for soprano and orchestra were the German composer’s final works. Running through each lavishly scored song is an autumnal warmth and the sense of acceptance in the face of death.

In the final movement of his Symphony No 4, Mahler glimpses heaven through the eyes of child. It’s the emotional centre of a work that’s rich in imagery and moods.

The concert begins with Roberto Gerhard’s Collages from 1960, an exploration of the relationship between human and nature through a tapestry of orchestral and electronic sounds.

The translucent purity of Lucy Crowe’s soprano voice is perfect for Mahler’s crystalline textures and Strauss’s soaring lines. Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO bring experience to Mahler, and a sense of adventure to Gerhard’s sonic kaleidoscope.

The concert will finish at approximately 9.15pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).

Programme

Roberto Gerhard Symphony No 3, Collages
Richard Strauss Four Last Songs
Gustav Mahler Symphony No 4

Performers

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle conductor
Lucy Crowe soprano