Brahms Symphony No.1 by Haydn, Brahms, Blacher, Ó (2017/2017), Seoltóir Christoph König, City Halls, Glasgow, United Kingdom

What is German music? Boris Blacher’s music buzzes with the sophistication and wit of the city that he made his home, Berlin – yet he was born in China. Haydn was born on the Hungarian border – but his joyous C major Cello Concerto sings with all the elegance and flair of an Italian tenor. And Brahms’s tempestuous First Symphony was initially billed as “Beethoven’s Tenth”, but turned out to be something a lot more poetic and personal. There’s no one answer in this concert with guest conductor Christoph König: just three great composers giving heart and soul, and a sparkling solo performance from a cellist of unique charisma and style.