Rachmaninov and Copland
It's another 'early shift' this Thursday evening, with the show beginning at 18:30 as opposed to 19:30 (that means I have another prom to attend via Radio 3 in bed later this evening). As for the cooking, it's a carbon copy of Tuesday night.
Elsa Barraine's Symphony No. 2 opens this programme which is lightly themed towards music around wartime. And, indeed, this first piece sounds to me foreboding and militaristic. This is music that brings about a feeling of sorrow and reflection.
The second piece [Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto] opens more gently, and I think to myself 'sounds like the (bass) clarinet is soloing?' I was nearly right!
The last piece of the first half is the real treat for me... Artie Shaw's Clarinet Concerto brings us a subtle flavour of New Orleans jazz to begin with. What sounds similar to When The Saints Go Marching In develops gradually into a steady Glenn Miller-style feel.
I believe it is the clarinet player, Martin Fröst, who takes to the mic with some good humour and to explain the upcoming encore - it's a bit of Bach (you know I love him anyway) but tooted solely on the clarinet. It's a quirky number that leaves me smiling to myself.
Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninov forms the second half of the show. It's a relaxing piece of music, so I lie on the settee to soak it up. I struggle to keep my eyes open as the daily tolls of the week catch up with me.
