The eighth in the series of Masterpieces Performed by NHK Symphony Orchestra features three maestros conducting three Brahms symphonies. One of the pieces Fabio Luisi—appointed NHKSO's chief conductor in September of this year—chose for his inaugural commemoration performance was Brahms' Symphony No. 2 often referred to as the composer's "pastoral symphony." Here, we offer this brand-new performance to round out the three featured in this series. First up is the NHKSO performance Wolfgang Sawallisch conducted during his 2004 Japan visit followed by the 2017 concert helmed by Christoph Eschenbach, who had performed as the featured pianist with the NHKSO previously. Enjoy the three historical tentpole Brahms performances with an ear toward the influence a conductor and zeitgeist has on Brahms' music. NHK WORLD-JAPAN anchor Yamamoto Miki interviews music critic about the highlight of each performance.

Season 7 Episode 2 - Tugan Sokhiev: Berlioz, Harold en Italie, Symphony, Op. 16

This piece by Hector Berlioz, Harold en Italie (“Harold in Italy”), symphony, Op. 16, is his symphony with a viola solo. In this performance, the solo is played by Ryo Sasaki, principal violist for the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Berlioz saw great possibilities for individual instruments to express human feelings. He believed that he could create the dramatic operatic atmosphere by composing heart-rendering monologues for instruments without relying on opera singers. Be mesmerized by the drama produced by the no-holds-barred collaboration of Sokhiev, NHK Symphony Orchestra and Ryo Sasaki. Air Date : 13th-Aug-2022

Season 7 Episode 1 - Fabio Luisi: Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35

Here we present Scheherazade, symphonic suite, Op. 35, by Russian Romantic composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in this sneak-peak performance prior to his official assumption of his post as chief conductor. Included is a brief interview with the maestro in which he reveals that during the last two-three years, he has come to reflect more and more on the meaning and significance of art and music in today's world. Enjoy the latest collaboration of Maestro Luisi and the NHK Symphony Orchestra from their performance in Okinawa this May. Air Date : 7th-Aug-2022  Read More

Season 7 Episode 2 - Tugan Sokhiev: Berlioz, Harold en Italie, Symphony, Op. 16

This piece by Hector Berlioz, Harold en Italie (“Harold in Italy”), symphony, Op. 16, is his symphony with a viola solo. In this performance, the solo is played by Ryo Sasaki, principal violist for the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Berlioz saw great possibilities for individual instruments to express human feelings. He believed that he could create the dramatic operatic atmosphere by composing heart-rendering monologues for instruments without relying on opera singers. Be mesmerized by the drama produced by the no-holds-barred collaboration of Sokhiev, NHK Symphony Orchestra and Ryo Sasaki. Air Date : 13th-Aug-2022  Read More

Season 7 Episode 3 - Wolfgang Sawallisch: Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Symphonic Poem, Op. 40

The last in this summer series is the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Sawallisch's 2002 performance of Ein Heldenleben, symphonic poem, Op. 40, by Richard Strauss (“A Hero's Life”). Marvel at Sawallisch's unflagging passion for music as he conducts the orchestra just before his 80th birthday. Air Date : 20th-Aug-2022  Read More