Basingstoke: Salonen conducts Beethoven and Strauss

Programme

The Philharmonia’s Conductor Laureate returns to The Anvil to conduct two pinnacles of the orchestral repertoire.  

Revolutionary, legendary, electrifying: these are all words that have been used to describe Beethoven’s Third Symphony. And it’s not difficult to see why. Marking a turning point in the composer’s career, and heralding the Romantic period, it’s no surprise this musical triumph was voted the greatest symphony of all time in 2016.   

The opening of Also sprach Zarathustra might be one of the most recognisable in classical music. But there’s much more to this exhilarating work than its 2001: A Space Odyssey fame. In its half-hour span, Strauss takes us on a philosophical journey exploring the meaning of life. With blazing brass and sumptuous strings, it’s a listening experience full of intense feeling, and gives the fantastic musicians of the Orchestra the chance to show off their renowned Philharmonia sound.