Classiques de Paris

The concert overture Le Corsaire is Berlioz's imaginative reaction to Lord Byron's poetic tale of a pirate chief's adventures, describing dashing action from start to finish, with a romantic melody at the centre. Ravel's poignant and tranquil Pavane pour une infante defunte provides the perfect contrast – despite the gloomy title, Ravel simply liked the way the French words sounded together! The composer of the more aptly titled Reflexions sur l'amour will throw light on this work nearer the time, but the orchestra and composer himself are delighted to welcome the violinist Michael Foyle back to the Stag. Cesar Franck's Symphony in D minor has many memorable moments, featuring the cor anglais in its steady middle movement, with the lively finale bringing the afternoon to a happy conclusion.

• Rating
• Running time 120 Minutes