91Èȱ¬

Live at the 91Èȱ¬ Proms: Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and Busoni's Piano Concerto performed by the Rodolfus Choir and the London Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and conductor Edward Gardner

Presented by Penny Gore, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances

c.8.05pm
INTERVAL: Pianist and Busoni expert Karl Lutchmayer paints a picture of who Busoni was and the influences that shaped his music. He also explores the story of the piano concerto, and Busoni's piano music, at the Proms, from John Ogdon to Peter Donohoe.

c.8.25pm
Busoni: Piano Concerto

Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
The Rodolfus Choir
London Philharmonic Choir
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Edward Gardner, conductor

Ready for something completely different? Marking the centenary of the composer’s death, Ferruccio Busoni’s gargantuan Piano Concerto is perhaps better described as a symphony in five movements, capped by a male chorus. Woven through Busoni’s bizarrely wonderful and utterly engrossing score is one of the most challenging piano parts ever committed to paper – tackled tonight by British star pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Before it, Edward Gardner and his London Philharmonic forces whet the appetite with the snap, crackle and pop of Rachmaninov’s riveting Symphonic Dances.