Konzerthausorchester Berlin, François-Xavier Roth

Conductor François-Xavier Roth is visiting the Konzerthausorchester for the first time. On the stands are “Alaraph” by our Artist in Residence Unsuk Chin from 2022 and Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 4, premiered in 1881.

An “alaraph” is a so-called “heartbeat star” with regular pulsation. These are “pulsating, variable binary star systems in eccentric orbits whose oscillations are caused by tidal forces. The star's light curve is similar to the course of a heartbeat in an electrocardiogram when its brightness is recorded over time.”

It can be confidently denied that his background knowledge of cardiology played a role for Anton Bruckner during the extensive composition process, as usual with him. But the so-called “Romantic” makes many hearts beat faster — especially that of horn players: It begins with a famous horn call, and even as the symphony progresses, the horn section and, incidentally, all fans of this wonderful brass instrument get their money's worth in the audience.

Program: Unsuk Chin: “Alaraph (Rite of Heartbeat)” for orchestra; Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 in E flat major (“Romantic”)