Bartók Violin Concerto No. 1 Mahler Symphony No. 5 Ryan Bancroft conductor James Ehnes violin CAPTIVATING | WHIMSICAL | SPELLBINDING There’s been a long history of composers writing musical gifts for the women they loved, and tonight’s Season Closing Concert features two of the finest. Unrequited love pervades in Bartók’s Violin Concerto. Written for violinist, and Bartók’s muse, Stefi Geyer, this two movement concerto is a musical showcase of her personality; lamenting melodies and whimsical leaps abound in this deeply personal rhapsodic outpouring. Champion of this virtuosic firework display is world renowned violinist James Ehnes, who returns to BBC NOW by popular demand. Unlike Bartók, Mahler’s love was met, and in a token of love for his new wife, Alma, his Fifth Symphony blazes with trumpet fanfares, dance and joy, not to mention the radiantly palpitating slow movement, surely his love song for his beloved.