Bamberger Symphoniker: Hans Rott's First Symphony

Jakub Hrůša and the Bamberger Symphoniker bring a little-known symphonic masterpiece to light.

Bamberger Symphoniker
Jakub Hrůša Conductor

Catriona Morison Mezzo soprano

Bruckner Symphonic Prelude
Mahler Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen*
Rott Symphony No 1.

Hans Rott completed his First Symphony in 1880, four years before his untimely death at the age of 25. In its structural inventiveness and melodic radiance, it anticipates the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, who hailed his friend as ‘a musician of genius’.

The programme also features works by Mahler and by Rott’s teacher Anton Bruckner. Bruckner’s Symphonic Prelude foreshadows his later orchestral innovations, while Mahler’s haunting Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen captures an emotional journey from despair to acceptance, with beautiful evocations of nature along the way. It is performed by Catriona Morison, the mezzo soprano with a ‘voice of many colours’ (The Times).

Jakub Hrůša and the Bamberger Symphoniker’s recent recording of works by Rott, Bruckner and Mahler won Hrůša the 2023 Opus Klassik Conductor of the Year Award. Don’t miss the chance to hear him conduct this thrilling repertoire live.