Beethoven, Strauss and Szymanowski

Saturday 14 March 2026, 7:30pm
Oxford Town Hall

Strauss - Don Juan
Szymanowski - Violin Concerto no.2
Beethoven - Symphony no.6

Emily Davis violin
Robert Max conductor

Richard Strauss' tone poem Don Juan portrays a swashbuckling dramatic narrative, reflecting the attempts of the fictional libertine to seduce women.

Szymanowski wrote his second violin concerto in 1933 for violinist Paul Kochanski. It is deeply rooted in Polish folk music, and includes lyrical themes, and a section with a march-like character. This concerto will be played for us by Emily Davis.

Beethoven penned several bucolic scenes for his Pastoral Symphony. The first movement depicts an arrival in the countryside, followed by a scene by a brook, featuring birdsongs by some of the woodwind. The third involves dances at a gathering, which is then interrupted by the storm of the fourth movement. The final movement expresses thanks to above, after the storm passes.