City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert

Rossini: William Tell Overture Shostakovitch: Cello Concerto no.1 Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5 op.64

Rossinis final opera, William Tell concerns the deeds of Austrias legendary hero. The Overture is in four extraordinary sections: a slow opening for cello ensemble suggesting calm alpine scenery, a violent storm, the famous pastoral cor anglais tune and the final swashbuckling Lone Ranger theme. Shostakovitchs Cello Concerto no.1 builds on a four-note motto theme. Full of nervous energy and demonic humour, balanced by a lyrical and yearning slow movement, and with a final wild and exhilarating dance. Tchaikovskys Fifth Symphony is also dominated by a Fate motto but there is a rich mix of distinctive melodies, some passionate, some yearning, others remarkably upbeat, but all heartfelt. A beautiful French Horn solo leads out the slow movement, interrupted by dramatic brass outbursts. A lyrical Valse seems to end ominously, but Tchaikovsky surprises us with a majestic finale. A musical roller-coaster of limitless intensity!