London Philharmonic Orchestra: Paul Lewis plays Beethoven

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3
Mahler Symphony No. 5

Jukka-Pekka Saraste conductor
Paul Lewis piano
London Philharmonic Orchestra

If anyone in the audience had been following Mahler’s personal and musical journey in 1904 when his Fifth Symphony was first performed, they’d probably have had the feeling of being plunged into a whole new world. Gone was the song-like radiance that had dominated the Fourth Symphony. In its place was a new strength, spirit and fight – all Mahler’s demons and doubts thrust up against a proclamation of love so strong it hurt. Fresh from an acclaimed recording of the Symphony, Jukka-Pekka Saraste conducts it here alongside Beethoven’s most fresh and spirited piano concerto, played by Beethoven pianist par excellence Paul Lewis.