The two works in today’s concert were both composed under remarkable circumstances, and in close connection with other celebrated pieces. Paul Hindemith travelled to London to premiere his Viola Concerto, only for his plans to be interrupted by the death of King George V. In response, Hindemith spent the following day in the BBC studios composing Trauermusik, written between 11.00am and 5.00pm. and broadcast that very evening with the composer as soloist. Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings was written alongside the famous 1812 Overture. Though Tchaikovsky felt little affection for the latter, the Serenade stands as a deeply personal work, inspired by Mozart and infused with the spirit of Russian folk music.