Strings plus: RFO with Elgar, Strauss and Dvorák

Strings plus: the strings of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra are joined by clarinetist Frank van den Brink and bassoonist Jos Lammerse. James Gaffigan will lead fresh works by Elgar, Strauss and Dvořák.

Dvořák's Serenade for Strings
Deep in autumn, Dvořák's Serenade for Strings is a precursor to spring. One of his best-loved works, it is light, energetic and full of folk music influences. An ode to nature and life, just like Elgar's Serenade for Strings. The American conductor James Gaffigan leads the strings of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He told Limelight what his profession is all about for him. Bringing people together, letting them breathe together. That is a wonderful task.

Frank van den Brink and Jos Lammerse in Strauss
For Richard Strauss' Duet concertino, clarinettist Frank van den Brink and bassoonist Jos Lammerse join the strings. The eighty-year-old Strauss composed this late work with the beautiful tone of a befriended bassoonist in mind. In a letter he announced what it would sound like. A dancing princess is startled by the grotesque hopping of a bear that imitates her'. And that bear is the bassoon. But in this fresh, fairytale-like work, everything works out. In the end, you turn into a prince.