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A selection of top performances by NHK Symphony Orchestra with world-class conductors to mark the end of the unprecedented 2020 and ring in the New Year.

1. 1. Alexander Vedernikov: Tchaikovsky, The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66

   2020-12-23 · 49m

   In the first episode of this season, we bring you musical excerpts from the masterpiece "The Sleeping Beauty," a ballet by Tchaikovsky. The conductor is Alexander Vedernikov, the great Russian maestro. The maestro himself chose the excerpts. The NHK Symphony Orchestra leads Japan's classical music world and it held its first concert in 1927 and has since performed regularly for over 90 years. It continues its excellent performance to this day. Please enjoy the wonderful synergy of the orchestra and the maestro, together with the pre-performance talk by music critic Katayama Morihide and presenter Yamamoto Miki. *Alexander Vedernikov passed away on October 29, 2020. We extend our heartfelt condolences.

2. 2. Christoph Eschenbach: Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

   2020-12-24 · 49m

   In this episode, we present Brahms' Symphony No. 2, the beloved masterpiece imbued with a light, warm atmosphere and beautiful melodies. The conductor is Christoph Eschenbach, a maestro with long experience leading famous orchestras around the world. Please enjoy the wonderful synergy of the orchestra and the maestro, which will bring out the piece's power with amazing tension.

3. 3. Paavo Järvi: Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Symphonic Poem, Op. 40

   2020-12-30 · 49m

   In this episode, we present Ein Heldenleben (“A Hero's Life”), sym. poem, Op. 40, by Richard Strauss that can be considered as a musical autobiography of the composer. The conductor is Paavo Järvi, the chief conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Järvi's approach to the music is fully understood and responded by the orchestra's high level performance and you will enjoy the music with the strong storyline and a lively tempo like a drama.