Mozart’s mighty Symphony No 40 is considered one of his greatest achievements. It is one of a trio of mature symphonies composed towards the end of his career, in 1788. This intensely emotional work is one of the few Mozart pieces in a minor key, sees the composer exploring darker, more complex colours and sounds.
Most critics agree that this work heralded the shape of things to come; and that the drama and poignancy of Mozart’s Symphony No 40 Symphony were to find their echo in the music of the 19th century romantics.
Handel: Organ Concerto No 6 in B flat, Op 4
Brimming with gusto and melodic flair, this popular organ concerto sees Handel at the height of his creative powers. From 1730, with his great operas and oratorios behind him, Handel devoted himself to this form of keyboard music and was keen to flaunt his virtuosity in front of demanding audiences. This concerto in three movements was originally written for a harpist—we will hear it tonight as scored for organ, strings and two alto recorders.
Brachetta: New work in one movement, ‘For my son, Luca’
Influenced by everything from jazz to contemporary classical, Argentine/Italian pianist, conductor and composer Fabricio Brachetta composed this short new work, which opens the evening, for his baby son. “It’s a piece in one movement, making full use of our chamber orchestra, and focusing on wide range of emotions,” said Brachetta. “I cannot write purely ‘happy’ music; instead I hope to capture the intense, heartfelt palette of experience that comes with the birth of a child.”