Les Siècles olv. François-Xavier Roth

For years, the viola has unfairly had the reputation of being the ‘misfit’ of the string family. However, the arrival of soloists such as Tabea Zimmerman has brought an end to this misplaced banter. Zimmerman brings this elegant instrument fully to life with an exceptionally rich and warm sound and a superhuman playing technique. In Berlioz’s ‘Harold in Italy’, the viola provides an adventurous translation of the romantic exploits and tavern visits of the roguish explorer Harold.

In contrast to Harold, the life of the French-Belgian composer César Franck revolved around simplicity. In his Symphony in D, he united the expressiveness and orchestration of Liszt with the drama and thematic development of Beethoven in his own sophisticated language.

Under the inspirational leadership of François-Xavier Roth, the musicians of Les Siècles adapt themselves to the repertoire that they are interpreting like musical chameleons –

a refreshingly transparent symphonic experience!