Thomas Gould, violin

Bernhard Schimpelsberger, percussion

Sinfonietta Rīga

Programme:

Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 22 in E-flat major, Hob. I/22 (The Philosopher)

Johannes Berauer Concerto for violin and orchestra NoWhere NowHere (conductor Normunds Šnē)

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (Pastoral Symphony)

It has been told that Ludwig van Beethoven much preferred countryside ambiance over the city hubbub. The Sixth Symphony by the temperamental Viennese master embodies the magnificent variety of nature, with the subheading "the Pastoral Symphony, or the memories of countryside life" given by the composer himself, uncharacteristically to him. A lesser-known aspect of Joseph Haydn's musical heritage is displayed in his contemplative Symphony no. 22, aptly nicknamed "The Philosopher" by the contemporaries of the composer. Written for two English horns, two horns and strings, it has a unique scoring in the entire history of the symphony genre. The contemporary Vienna is represented by the genre-crossing composer Johannes Berauer whose brilliant double concerto NoWhere NowHere also features unusual scoring. The recent work, received with standing ovations in Austria last year, is dedicated to the guests of the Viennese Classics festival - the master percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger, who is equally adept at traditional and classical instruments, and the versatile violinist Thomas Gould.