Bristol Classical Players

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.

“this is an orchestra which can do anything” Bristol 24/7
www.bristolclassicalplayers.com
www.malachyframe.com

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.

This concert is part of a four-concert series in 2026:

Saturday 7 February – Brahms Symphony 4 and Mozart Piano Concerto 27
Saturday 9 May – Brahms Symphony 3 & Dvorak Cello Concerto
Saturday 26 September – Brahms Symphony 2 and Mahler songs
Saturday 24 October – Brahms Symphony 1 and Mozart Piano Concerto 23