Vienna and Budapest lie only about 200 kilometers apart, and are linked by the Danube River. Both are capital cities boasting rich historical traditions, grand palaces, and splendid museums. But the three composers we hear on this program – two from Vienna, one from Budapest – couldn't be more different in their styles. There are two works by Bartók: his Dance Suite, full of vigorous rhythms, attractive melodies and colorful orchestration; and his early, seldom-heard, richly romantic First Violin Concerto, replete with autobiographical references. From Brahms we hear the Variations on a Theme by Haydn, a superb example of the variation form. Another Viennese composer, Alban Berg, is represented by his Three Pieces for Orchestra, music of sonorous density; Pierre Boulez described the third piece, (March) as "demented intoxication of the dramatic gesture."