Antonio Vivaldi: Die vier Jahreszeiten
Three highlights of classical music
Antonio Vivaldi:
The Four Seasons
Georg Friedrich Handel:
Water Music, Orchestral Suite No. 1
Joseph Haydn:
Farewell Symphony
The renowned Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague, also well-known in Germany,
presents three highlights from its extensive repertoire - two masterpieces of Baroque music
(Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and Georg Friedrich Handel's "Water Music") and one of the most important representatives of the Viennese Classical period (Joseph Haydn with his "Farewell Symphony"). The three pieces were
carefully selected and compiled to form a meaningful combination, an appealing
unity, and to elegantly conclude the musical evening.
Antonio Vivaldi's most famous work is "The Four Seasons." The composer, himself a masterful violinist, connected four violin concertos - each concerto describes a season.
Above all, natural phenomena are imitated: in Spring, it is a jumble of various chirping
bird species. In Summer, one can feel the heavy heat and the anticipation of some coolness, followed by a
fierce storm; then the buzzing of bees and swarms of mosquitoes. A drinking song and hunting motifs
describe Autumn. Wind, rain, perhaps even snowfall, contrasted with warming up by the fireplace and,
at last, a skater make the differences of Winter clear: the cozy life indoors
and the harsh climate outside. Many renowned composers (including Joseph Haydn) have devoted themselves to the four
seasons; however, the most ingenious musical description of nature comes from Antonio Vivaldi.
Various anecdotes surround the creation of Georg Friedrich Handel's "Water Music":
The composer is said to have migrated from Hanover (related to the English royal family) to London and, with the accompaniment music for a royal pleasure cruise on the Thames, made his "debut" with his new master, King George I. This, however, is only documented for the second suite.
In any case, His Royal Highness was so delighted that he ordered the "Water Music" and individual
pieces from it to be repeated several times.
The "Farewell Symphony" (No. 45) was created during Joseph Haydn's employment as Kapellmeister at the Esterházy court. As the musicians - with few exceptions - had to serve there without contact with their families during the season,
they longed for vacation. This was also noticeable in their music: it became increasingly slow, sluggish, and tired, until the soloists - one by one - left the stage. Not the only example of Haydn's indestructible and yet
subtle sense of humor.
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
