BBC Philharmonic: Strauss/Mozart/Wagner at The Bridgewater Hall – CANCELLED

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

BBC Philharmonic: Strauss/Mozart/Wagner

The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre
21 March 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Matt Squire
Book now

Richard Strauss – Also sprach Zarathustra (32’)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K 467 (28’)
Richard Wagner – Tristan and Isolde – Prelude and Liebestod (19’)

At this Bridgewater Hall concert, we look forward to three iconic works from three iconic composers, performed by the BBC Philharmonic under the baton of acclaimed German conductor, Moritz Gnann.

It would be no exaggeration to state that the Prelude to Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde essentially invented modern music – its influence is such that its stunning opening harmony even has its own nickname: the ‘Tristan Chord’. Composed in 1859, the opera stunned its first audiences, not only with its chromatic harmony, but also with its sublime orchestration and dramatic content. The Lieberstod (Love Death), which we’ll hear immediately after the Prelude, shines equally brightly. Playing a key part in the opera’s final scene, the Lieberstod paints a musical picture of Princess Isolde standing over her lover Tristan’s lifeless body, before sinking down to join him in love/death. “I will never forget this” were the words of Elgar upon hearing its climactic, glowing harmonies for the first time.

Before Wagner’s masterpiece, Moritz Gnann will conduct another immense work with an instantly recognisable opening: Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, which soundtracks the sunrise at the dawn of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Though its fame is inextricably linked with that film, the work was originally written as a musical analogy of the abstract ideas and exalted prose of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. “While reading Schopenhauer or Nietzsche”, Strauss wrote in 1895, “I will get an uncontrollable urge to go to the piano […] The intellect alone is engaged.” Reaching towards the outer reaches of the cosmos, this incredibly ambitious tone poem represents the zenith of Strauss’ career, and stands as one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of orchestral music for the concert hall.

If those two landmark works weren’t enough, we’ll also be treated to Mozart’s sparkling 21st Piano Concerto, nicknamed ‘Elvira Madigan’ after the 1960’s film in which it plays a starring role. Written in 1785 when Mozart was just twenty-nine, this is one of the composer’s best-loved works. It features an exuberant Allegro maestoso opening movement, which leads to a subtle Andante second whose iconic, dreamlike melody is simply sublime. The work’s final Allegro vivace assai, however, arguably steals the show, revealing Mozart at his joyous, irrepressible best. One of the most technically demanding of all Mozart’s concertos, the work is in good hands with German pianist Elisabeth Brauss, who at just 24 is renowned as one of the most outstanding musicians of her generation.

Featuring three iconic works from three giants of classical music, this BBC Philharmonic concert promises to move, inspire and entertain at The Bridgewater Hall.

BBC Philharmonic
Moritz Gnann – conductor
Elisabeth Brauss – piano

What's on at The Bridgewater Hall

Walking Tour Stock imagery
Until
ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

From £25.00

Where to go near BBC Philharmonic: Strauss/Mozart/Wagner at The Bridgewater Hall – CANCELLED

City Centre
Hotel
The Midland Hotel

With 312 luxurious bedrooms, the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in Manchester.

Manchester
Restaurant
Midland Tea Room

Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

Society Manchester
City Centre
Society Manchester

Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition hosts three of the city’s most celebrated independent kitchens: Osma, Baratxuri, and Jaan by Another Hand.

City Centre
Restaurant
ONDA Pasta Bar

ONDA is a treat for the tastebuds. Long dark wood tables are shared by eager diners, as tapas-style plates of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes are ferried around the restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Jaan

Serving up exceptional Persian cuisine, this new food concept from the team behind Another Hand is a must-try.

City Centre
Restaurant
Nudo Sushi Box

Nudo Sushi Box on Manchester’s Oxford Road specialises in freshly-prepared boxes of – you guessed it – sushi.

What's on: Music

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.