Tonight, the first of two Proms by the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic, whose strength and depth of sound is ideally suited to the richly resonant music of Brahms. The hard-won first piano concerto and first symphony were the triumphant results of the composer's deeply felt convictions about continuing and revitalising the great German tradition.

Radu Lupu (piano), Berlin Philharmonic, conductor Claudio Abbado

Brahms Piano Concerto No 1 in D minor

8.20 The Berlin Philharmonic and the New Berlin
Ivan Hewett explores the artistic and economic climate of Germany since reunification and discovers the importance of the Berlin Philharmonic within the new greater state.

8.40 Brahms Symphony No 1 in C minor