MOZART | BEETHOVEN

One of the most beautiful piano concertos in history and a symphony that belongs to the classical music canon – this is the program of the next concert within the Grandioso series. The works written by the greatest, Mozart and Beethoven, have already received countless recordings and live interpretations and have been used many times by the most outstanding orchestras, conductors and soloists. This time they will sound on the stage of our golden hall.

The first part of the evening will be filled with Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, KV 453 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous musical geniuses of all time. The piece was written in April 1784. Although it may seem to modern listeners an excellent example of classical patterns, it is worth remembering that Mozart used a few innovative solutions here. First of all, he highlighted the woodwinds, which often engage in dialogue with the piano and even gained a leading role in orchestral parts. In Mozart's time, this was by no means an obvious solution. This procedure is evident in the second movement – Andante – in which the flute, oboe and bassoon become the piano's first-class partners. The second novelty is the use of variations instead of the typical classic rondo in the final part – Allegretto – Presto. This solution made this part of the concert particularly attractive and naturally memorable. Apparently, Mozart wrote it inspired by the spring singing of birds, and I think there is actually something to the matter. Bird trills can be heard even with an untrained ear.

This beautiful concert will be performed in our golden hall by the outstanding pianist Daria van den Bercken. The artist has several albums with music by Mozart, Scarlatti and Handel, which she recorded for the prestigious Sony Classical label, enthusiastically received by critics. Furthermore, she has performed with such renowned ensembles as the Orchester Philharmonique de Radio France, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a regular guest at the most recognized concert halls in Europe and the world, such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam or the Vienna Konzerthaus. In addition to intensive stage activities, the artist is also known as a populariser of classical music. The Keys to Music Foundation, which she founded, constantly looks for new audiences.

We will hear Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 "Eroica" by Ludwig van Beethoven in the second part of the evening. The work does not need to be introduced to our music lovers, who most know it almost by heart. In many respects, it is a revolutionary and innovative piece that constitutes a kind of bridge between classicism and romanticism in music. Beethoven originally planned to dedicate this wonderful symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte. However, when he put the last notes on the score, he learned that the statesman he admired was crowned emperor of the French (1804). Beethoven was so furious that, according to some accounts, he tore up the front cover of his work, threw it on the floor and shouted: Is he, then, nothing more than an ordinary man? Now he too will violate the rights of the people to fulfil his ambition; he will rise above all, become a tyrant!

From the "Symphony for Bonaparte" Beethoven's "Third" was finally published only with the Italian title Sinfonia Eroica ... composta per festeggiare il sovvenire di un grande Uomo ("Heroic Symphony, composed for the glory of a great man") And so the nickname Eroica ('heroic') stuck to this symphony forever, reminding listeners for centuries of Beethoven's great disappointment.

It will be performed for you by the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra under the baton of an outstanding conductor: Stefan Asbury. Maestro Asbury is regularly invited by the best orchestras in the world. He is a frequent guest of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln. He has collaborated with the Ensemble Modern, London Sinfonietta, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dresdner Philharmonie, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Boston Symphony and Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks. He is also a regular guest of the prestigious Salzburger Festspiele. The conductor can also boast of numerous albums for which he has received prestigious awards, including Choc du Monde de la Musique (works by J. Harvey) and Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (works by G. Grisey).