An Alpine Symphony in Images

Christian Schmitt’s playing has been described by Gramophone magazine as getting “right down into the very soul of the music” – and there’s plenty of soul in this programme. Poulenc’s Concerto goes from deep sorrow to exuberant joy in the twinkling of an eye, while the adventures of a day in the mountains are vividly recalled in Strauss’ monumental symphony. Along with screen projections of the Alps, a gargantuan orchestra, including wind machine, thunder claps and organ, is directed by Michael Sanderling.