Brahms's first major work for orchestra, the Variations on a Theme by Haydn pay homage to the late eighteenth century, and more particularly to Haydn, a composer whom Brahms deeply admired, even though it is generally accepted that the theme in question was mistakenly attributed to Haydn. Eight contrasting variations lead to an impressive passacaglia, a masterly example of classicism from an essentially romantic composer.
Composed by Johannes Brahms in the summer of 1877 in the Austrian Alps, the Second Symphony has sometimes been compared to Beethoven's Pastoral because of its comparative clarity, contrasting with the darker tones of the First Symphony. Brahms himself regarded it with delight and levity: "A gay little symphony, utterly innocent," he declared. Fresh and pastoral, the work enchants with its pastoral shades, ushered in from the start by the call of the horn and the oboes' reply.
In the first part of this concert, the Paris Opera Orchestra will perform the Ricercare for 6 voices from Bach's Musical Offering, in Anton Webern's 1935 orchestration. This piece will be performed in memory of the victims of the health crisis.