Beethoven and Petrushka

With an extensive French, German and Russian menu, the Noord Nederlands Orkest serves up a richly varied triptych. Roussel's Fourth Symphony is from his later period, when he had said farewell to the velvet impressionism of Debussy and had opened the door to lively rhythm, a battery of percussion and clear lines. In Stravinsky's case, the setting is the fairytale Russia of his youth: a fair full of potteries, a ballerina, a magician, love rivals, musicians, dancers, noisy drunks and, of course, the love-struck doll Petrushka. The music is light with tragic undertones: fairground dances, French street tunes and street organ music. Music like a magic lantern, however sad the story ends for Petrushka. Fans of the more robust repertoire are also catered for. Although Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto is nicknamed the 'Emperor's Concerto', it also has the air of a sweet romance at times.