Light in tone, but strong in substance - a description that applies to both of tonight's symphonies from the Royal Albert Hall , London. Mikhail Pletnev combines his delight in Haydn - whose music he has played frequently as pianist and conductor - with his natural affinity for Prokofiev and his native Russian tradition. He continues the link in Schnittke's intense concerto, played by the virtuoso to whom it is dedicated.
Yuri Bashmet (viola), Russian National Orchestra, conductor Mikhail Pletnev
Haydn Symphony No 100 in G (Military)
Schnittke Viola Concerto
8.30 What's the Definition of a Quintet?
... A Soviet orchestra after its return from a foreign tour! The Russian
National Orchestra's fortunes seem to contradict that old Soviet joke.
Jonathan Swain talks to Robert Layton about the founding of Russia's first entirely independent orchestra and its triumphant debut in Moscow six years ago, and investigates whether it still retains national characteristics in its style of playing.
8.50 Prokofiev Symphony No 7