Berliner Philharmoniker Residency — Usher Hall

The Edinburgh International Festival closed in spectacular fashion with a performance by the world-renowned Berliner Philharmoniker, an orchestra described by the Los Angeles Times as “the greatest orchestra in the world.” At the Usher Hall, the orchestra was conducted by Kirill Petrenko, its Chief Conductor since 2019, in a programme featuring two major works of the orchestral repertoire: Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor.

The concert lasted around two hours, with one interval, and provided a magnificent conclusion to the festival.

Elgar — Enigma Variations

The first half began with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Op. 36. The work opens with the theme, marked Andante, followed by fourteen variations, each portraying someone from Elgar’s circle. Rather than naming these people directly, Elgar provides clues through the titles and musical characteristics of each variation.

The Berliner Philharmoniker brought remarkable individuality to every variation. Each had its own personality and charm, while the orchestra maintained a strong sense of continuity throughout the work.

The music moved beautifully between warmth, humour, elegance and reflection. The opening variation, representing Elgar’s wife Caroline Alice Elgar, was warm and affectionate, with a gentle, lyrical character. Other variations brought completely different personalities to life, demonstrating the extraordinary expressive possibilities of the orchestra.

The eighth variation, “W.N.”, portraying Winifred Norbury, was one of the gentlest and most elegant moments. The music had a refined and graceful character, performed with wonderful delicacy.

But the emotional centre of the first half was undoubtedly “Nimrod.”

Nimrod begins quietly. The melody gradually expands, becoming increasingly powerful and emotionally intense, before reaching a climax that feels noble rather than simply tragic.

The story behind the variation makes it even more poignant. Nimrod represents August Jaeger, Elgar’s friend and supporter. Jaeger encouraged Elgar to persevere during a period when the composer was struggling with self-doubt. The title is also a clever musical reference: Jager means “hunter” in German, while Nimrod is traditionally described as a mighty hunter.

Nimrod is often heard today as a standalone piece, particularly at memorial and remembrance ceremonies. But understanding its original story gives the music a deeper meaning.

It isn’t primarily about death.

It is about someone believing in you when you no longer believe in yourself.

The Berliner Philharmoniker’s performance captured this beautifully. The gradual build from the quiet opening to the majestic climax was deeply moving and truly mesmerizing.

Tchaikovsky — Symphony No. 4

After the interval came Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, composed in 1877–78, more than twenty years before Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

The contrast between the two works was striking. Where Elgar’s Enigma Variations offers intimate musical portraits of people close to the composer, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony is a much larger and more dramatic emotional journey.

The symphony is dominated by the idea of Fate, introduced immediately by the powerful brass fanfare at the beginning. From that dramatic opening, Tchaikovsky takes the listener through despair, tenderness, reflection, agitation and finally an overwhelming sense of energy and celebration.

The Berliner Philharmoniker demonstrated extraordinary control of this vast emotional landscape. The richness of the violins, violas, cellos and double basses created a deep, powerful foundation, while the woodwind and brass added colour and intensity.

A truly mesmerizing performance and a fitting, memorable finale to the Edinburgh International Festival.

Reviewer: Saira Kunjuvalappil(Saira KS)

Reviewed: 29th August 2026

North West End UK Rating: