As one of the most original and productive composers of the 20th century, Benjamin Britten left behind a particularly extensive and substantial oeuvre. In 1962/63, he composed a ‘Symphony for Cello and Orchestra’ for Mstislav Rostropovich, which is characterised by the fact that solo and tutti are treated on a completely equal footing and develop a virtuoso coexistence. Britain, in this case Scotland, was a source of inspiration for the young Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, whose Schottische Symphonie grew out of a lasting travelling experience in the Nordic landscape and culture and is one of his major works. Highly romantic scenes are brought to mind, carried by richly shaped and colourful orchestral sounds.