Belgian National Orchestra and Behzod Abduraimov - Tsjaikovski’s Symfonie nr. 5 en Rachmaninoff

Behzod Abduraimov plays Rachmaninoff's masterpiece

More than five years ago, the Uzbek piano virtuoso Behzod Abduraimov impressed with two dream debuts in the Concertgebouw. He soloed for the first time with the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Rachmaninoff's devilishly difficult Third Piano Concerto and in the same week he also presented a challenging solo recital. 'Abduraimov can do anything,' wrote NRC. 'His velvety sound ideal and the way in which he uses all his skills for rhapsodic storytelling are particularly special.' This summer the sound wizard returns with the same impressive piano concerto by Rachmaninoff.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5

Anyone who listens to Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony is immediately overwhelmed by the depth and expressiveness of this melodic music. Note, for example, the ominous opening bars and the moving Andante cantabile, perhaps the most beautiful movement he has ever written. Tchaikovsky's talent for ballet music and his love for folk music are also audible in this versatile composition. Also beautiful: the beautiful horn solo in the second movement, later reused by Frank Sinatra in Moon Love.