Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

The opening bars of Beethoven's 'Fifth Symphony' from 1808 are perhaps the best-known classical bars in existence, frequently quoted worldwide, including in the pop scene. This mainly concerns the striking rhythm of the first 4 notes: ta-ta-ta-taaa... What a brilliant idea to create a complete symphony based on such a recognizable and simple motif! Right from the first bars, an ominous undertone prevails, 'as if fate were knocking on the door', as Beethoven is said to have said.

Marc Bouchkov plays Mendelssohn's beloved Violin Concerto

According to the Belgian master violinist Marc Bouchkov, Mendelssohn's beloved Violin Concerto is certainly not simple: 'Just like in Mozart's violin concertos, the transparent melodies are very open and the music is full of contrasting emotions. To really do justice to the score, you have to be a violin virtuoso with nimble fingers and a strong sense of lyricism.'