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Thomas, Mignon Overture / Brahms, Piano Concerto No. 2 / Wagner, Nuremberg Mastersingers Overture / Saint-Saëns, Bacchanalian Dance<div> The 19th century in all its richness: Brahms' impressive Piano Concerto No. 2 under the fingers of the young Pole Szymon Nehring, Wagner's imposing overture and two jewels of the French repertoire.</div><div> Brahms began work on his Piano Concerto No. 2 in May 1878 and finished the score in June 1881, during a summer stay near Vienna. Shortly afterward, he informed his friend Emma Engelmann that he had "written a beautiful and grand piano concerto" which, "in its abundance," also contains a scherzo. Indeed, the work comprises four movements, unusual at the time for a concerto but perfectly legitimate for a work taking the form of "a large symphony with obbligato piano." The majesty of Wagner's Overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and two orchestral excerpts from the most famous operas of Thomas and Saint-Saëns provide a welcome counterpoint to this epic work.</div>