Program

Carlos Simon, Fate Now Conquers

Benjamin Britten, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34

Theme: Allegro maestoso e largamente (Tutti, woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion)

Variation A: Presto (Flutes and Piccolo)

Variation B: Lento (Oboes)

Variation C: Moderato (Clarinets)

Variation D: Allegro alla marcia (Bassoons)

Variation E: Brillante: alla polacca (Violins)

Variation F: Meno mosso (Violas)

Variation G: Lusingando (Cellos)

Variation H: Cominciando lento ma poco a poco accellerando al Allegro (Double basses)

Variation I: Maestoso (Harp)

Variation J: L’istesso tempo (French horns)

Variation K: Vivace (Trumpets)

Variation L: Allegro pomposo (Trombones and tuba)

Variation M: Moderato (Percussion: Timpani; Bass drum & Cymbals; Tambourine & Triangle; Snare drum & woodblock; Xylophone; Castanets & Tam-tam; Whip; percussion tutti)

Fugue: Allegro molto

Richard Strauss, Don Quixote, Op. 35

Introduction: Mäßiges Zeitmaß

Theme: mäßig. (Don Quixote loses his sanity after reading novels about knights, and decides to become a knight-errant)

Variation I: Gemächlich. (Adventure at the Windmills)

Variation II: Kriegerisch. (The victorious struggle against the army of the great emperor Alifanfaron)

Variation III: Mäßiges Zeitmaß. (Dialogue between Knight and Squire)

Variation IV: Etwas breiter. (Unhappy adventure with a procession of pilgrims)

Variation V: Sehr langsam. (The knight's vigil)

Variation VI: Schnell. (The Meeting with Dulcinea)

Variation VII: Ein wenig ruhiger als vorher. (The Ride through the Air)

Variation VIII: Gemächlich. (The unhappy voyage in the enchanted boat)

Variation IX: Schnell und stürmisch. (Battle with the magicians)

Variation X: Viel breiter. (Duel with the knight of the bright moon)

Finale: Sehr ruhig. (Death of Don Quixote)

Edward Elgar, Enigma Variations, Op. 36

Variation IX (Adagio) "Nimrod"

Gianandrea Noseda conducts Simon, Britten, Strauss and Elgar — with Nicolas Altstaedt

European Union Youth Orchestra

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Cast

Nicolas Altstaedt — Cello

European Union Youth Orchestra — Orchestra

Gianandrea Noseda — Conductor

Program notes

The European Union Youth Orchestra takes the stage of the Konzerthaus Berlin to perform a vibrant and varied program under the baton of the celebrated Gianandrea Noseda. For 25 years, the ensemble has united outstanding young musicians from across all 27 EU countries, showcasing their musical talent and dedication. The concert opens with Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, a contemporary work inspired by a journal entry from Beethoven’s notebook and the music of his seventh symphony. Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra follows suit, a virtuosic introduction to the orchestra’s individual instruments. Closing the program is Richard Strauss’s masterful tone poem Don Quixote, with renowned cellist Nicolas Altstaedt performing the solo part that represents the chivalrous chaos of Cervantes’ legendary knight.

A closer look: featured composers

Edward Elgar

Benjamin Britten

Richard Strauss

Carlos Simon

Further listening: featured works

Enigma Variations, Op. 36

Edward Elgar (Composer)

The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34

Benjamin Britten (Composer)