1774 – The Year of the Symphony
One year. Four symphonies. Four different worlds.
During the 17th century, the term “Symphony” or “Sinfonia” was typically used to refer to the opening music for operas, oratorios, and cantatas. But gradually, over the course of the 18th century, the symphony evolved into the primary form of independent orchestral music. Its formal scope expanded dramatically, and the instrumentation was refined and likewise expanded, paving the way for the genre’s dominant status in the Romantic period with composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler.
This program explores the early stages of the genre’s development and presents four symphonies, all of which were composed or performed within a single year. The program highlights the enormous variety that was already present in the genre at this time. From the brilliant style of the Mannheim School, represented by Carl Stamitz, to Haydn’s dramatic “Sturm und Drang,” and from C.P.E. Bach’s unpredictable and wildly entertaining musical language to Mozart’s classical and organic colors in the Symphony in A major.
One year. Four symphonies. Four different worlds.
One year. Four symphonies. Four different worlds.
During the 17th century, the term “Symphony” or “Sinfonia” was typically used to refer to the opening music for operas, oratorios, and cantatas. But gradually, over the course of the 18th century, the symphony evolved into the primary form of independent orchestral music. Its formal scope expanded dramatically, and the instrumentation was refined and likewise expanded, paving the way for the genre’s dominant status in the Romantic period with composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler.
This program explores the early stages of the genre’s development and presents four symphonies, all of which were composed or performed within a single year. The program highlights the enormous variety that was already present in the genre at this time. From the brilliant style of the Mannheim School, represented by Carl Stamitz, to Haydn’s dramatic “Sturm und Drang,” and from C.P.E. Bach’s unpredictable and wildly entertaining musical language to Mozart’s classical and organic colors in the Symphony in A major.
One year. Four symphonies. Four different worlds.
PROGRAM
Carl Stamitz: Symphony in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 6
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 52 in C minor
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Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Symphony in D major, Wq. 183/1
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201
CONCERTS
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