Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Riccardo Minasi

There has been much speculation about Johannes Brahms' connection to Roberts Schumann's wife Clara. One thing is certain: The young composer spent a month with the Schumanns in Düsseldorf in 1853 on the recommendation of his friend violinist Joseph Joachim. Robert was impressed by Brahms' compositions, who in turn adored the older one and stood by Clara when Robert's mind continued to darken. Their correspondence reveals a close and complicated relationship.

However, this program unites the two men: After Brahms' “Akademischer”, the Spanish cello soloist Pablo Ferrandez plays Schumann's “Concertpiece for Cello with Orchestra Accompaniment” from 1850, which the composer himself describes as “thoroughly cheerful” and which enthralled Clara.

Brahms Fourth follows at the end. Beethoven's legacy, the big nine, weighed heavily on his shoulders — Brahms therefore only completed his first symphony at the age of 43. It was well received and gave him the courage to compose three more. Unfortunately, he took the few negative voices of the critics very much to heart instead of listening to Eduard Hanslick: “In the energy of genuine symphonic invention, in the sovereign mastery of all the secrets of counterpoint, harmony and instrumentation, in the logic of development, with the greatest freedom of imagination, Brahms stands alone.” It therefore remained with four symphonies.

Line-up change: Contrary to what was announced in the printed season program, conductor Riccardo Minasi will take over the musical direction of the concert.

Program: Johannes Brahms: “Academic Festival Overture” op. 80; Robert Schumann: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in A minor op. 129; Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98