Bristol Classical Players Brahms Symphony No 2, Mahler songs

Following their Beethoven series, Bristol Classical Players discover the four symphonies by his greatest disciple, Brahms, played in a series of four concerts. They will be paired with short works by Mozart, Dvorak and Mahler - plus new pieces by excellent Bristol-based, young composers. **Programme** **Brahms** Symphony No 2 in D **Mahler** Lieder eines fahrenden gesellen Bristol Classical Players' Brahms series continues with his _2nd Symphony_, nicknamed his _pastoral_ by admirers keen to keep Beethoven comparisons going after calling his 1st symphony _Beethoven's 10th_. The work's rustic character, and abundance of glorious melodies, right up a triumphant blast from the trombones at the end, have made it a huge favourite ever since its first performance. Alongside this hymn to nature, we are delighted to welcome rising star baritone Malachy Frame to sing Mahler's _songs of a Wayfarer_. There ruminate on life, death and the natural world, taking their cue from the central European landscape which Brahms and Mahler both knew so well. There will also be a new work inspired by Brahms - details TBC! - by a local composer. After more than a century, Brahms' Symphonies are still regarded as perfect examples of the composer's art; combining rigour and emotional intensity. From the tribute to Bach that concludes the tragic _4th Symphony_, to the joyous, brass-led chorale that ends the 1st, these great pieces offer a world of imagination and beauty rarely experienced.