Berliner Philharmoniker as soloists

Many members of the Berliner Philharmoniker also appear regularly as soloists and recording artists. Particularly delightful and memorable moments arise when they take on the role of the protagonist in performances with the orchestra and make music with their colleagues. In our selection – ranging from Bach and Mozart to Prokofiev, Strauss and a world premiere – concertmasters and section leaders of the string and wind groups are to be heard as soloists.

“It can be asserted without hesitation that in a first-rate orchestral body, every member deserves to be described as an ʻartistʼ.” This quote from Arthur Nikisch, who was chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker from 1895 to 1922, formulates a standard that has remained characteristic of the orchestra to this day. As a member of the collective, each Philharmoniker is both an individual and a chamber musician. The vibrancy of sound and interpretation is created by balancing individual expression with collective vision.

Some former Philharmonikers, such as cellist Gregor Piatigorsky and flautist Aurèle Nicolet, have enjoyed an international solo career after leaving the orchestra. The instrumentalists featured in the present playlist already appear regularly as chamber musicians or soloists parallel to their orchestra work. And so this selection documents not least the continuation of a wonderful Philharmoniker tradition.

Here you will meet orchestra members, who joined the ranks of the Philharmoniker at very different times, demonstrating the balance of continuity and change that characterises the orchestra.

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