Brussels Philharmonic & Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

Influenced by Mendelssohn and Brahms, Bruch delivered an absolute masterpiece of Romanticism with his First Violin Concerto. It is entirely deserved that the piece became one of the most popular violin concertos of all time. Not only does the audience remain a fan, but soloists also hold it dear to their hearts. “I have been playing this work for over 30 years, but you can still wake me up for it in the middle of the night. I will play it with great pleasure!” says Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider. He knows the concerto inside out and presents it here as both soloist and conductor in a unique play/conduct performance.

Next, Robert Schumann displays his drive for radical innovation. The four movements of his Fourth Symphony flow into one another without a pause, creating one grand story. Schumann knew how daring this experiment was and initially called the work a 'symphonic fantasy'. Only later did he confidently give this gripping music the well-deserved title of 'Fourth Symphony'.