Copland's Symphonic Ode

Copland's Symphonic Ode was booed at its first performances, but the qualities that made it a failure would pave the way for his later successes.

Lutosławski's Concerto for Orchestra

Witold Lutosławski was one of the great cultural figures of 20th century Poland, and his Concerto for Orchestra - based on a simple folk tune - was one of his first great successes; perhaps because his personal history mirrored that of his native land.

Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Felix Mendelssohn's music to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is a sparkling accompaniment to one of the most magical plays ever written. And he began it when he was just 17!