Variations on an English Theme: Haydn, Brahms & Britten at Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

After years holed up in the Hungarian countryside, Haydn headed off to England where he made a fortune as the most famous composer in the world. The acclaim brought with it an honorary degree from Oxford and his radiant and witty Symphony No.92 was part of the celebrations. Later Brahms paid his own tribute to Haydn with a set of variations that builds from a serene, hymn-like tune to a majestic climax.

If variation technique is a test of creativity, then Brahms and Britten pass with flying colours. Britten’s Young Person’s Guide, which uses a 17th-century theatre tune to shine a spotlight on the orchestra, from piccolo to percussion. And Britten’s darkly eloquent violin concerto, concluding with its own set of variations, is the vehicle for young Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang, making her Australian debut.

HAYDN Symphony No.92 (Oxford)
BRITTEN The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
BRITTEN Violin Concerto
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme of Haydn