Joe Fuller – Entertainment: One of the most moving, gorgeous symphonies opens the orchestral classical season

The most well known pieces of classical music are popular for a reason. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 is a majestic work and a staple in the classical repertoire, but that doesn’t mean it’s garish or simple. The first movement is totally gorgeous, the colossal swathes of melodies strike the fine balance between hummable and meaningful. The slow introduction was intended to suggest “Total submission before fate” so the piece can be enjoyed on purely musical or more interpretative levels.

Tchaikovsky’s 5th should make for a rousing opening concert of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s season. The opening piece however will be Les Préludes (Symphonic Poem No. 3) by Franz Liszt.

The melodies strike a fine balance between hummable and meaningful

Les Préludes is arguably the first symphonic tone poem ever written, which normally means a single movement that evokes the idea of a poem, or indeed any other source. The piece is a little more delicate than one might expect of Liszt, and I always enjoy short orchestral pieces in concerts since they’re easy to digest and wrap one’s head around. They’re also closer to pop songs so might help to break through the classical divide and appeal to a wider audience.

There will also be a somewhat rare chance to hear a lone viola rise above the orchestral tumult with William Walton’s viola concerto. The piece will be performed by Ukrainian violist Andriy Viytovych, Principal Viola of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Ticket prices vary widely, ranging from £12 to £37 and they are also half price for under 18s and students so it would certainly be an affordable, autumnal Sunday treat.

Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, Sun 9 October, 2.45pm, www.brightondome.org