Alan Gilbert in conversation with Emmanuel Pahud (14 min.)

A Bach cantata and the third symphonies of Felix Mendelssohn and Carl Nielsen respectively were heard in a concert which the Berliner Philharmoniker gave in November 2014 under the baton of Alan Gilbert. The chief conductor of the New York Philharmonic can be regarded as a specialist in Nielsen’s music, especially as he has recorded the complete symphonies of the Danish composer. According to Gilbert, the Third, known as the “Sinfonia espansiva” is one of Nielsen’s most accessible works and as such is the best to get to know this still underrated and rarely performed symphonic composer. In an interview with the Philharmoniker’s principal flautist Emmanuel Pahud, Gilbert tells how the unusual programming of the concert came about. In addition, he looks back over his work together with the Berliner Philharmoniker since his debut back in 2006 and explains what in his opinion makes this orchestra so unique.