Happy Birthday Mozart

Ami Porat, Artistic Director and Conductor

STRAUSS: Roman Carnival Overture
MOZART: Violin Concerto, K. 216      

Isabella Lippi, violin

MOZART: Symphony No. 41

J. Strauss (1825 – 1899) – Roman Carnival Overture
A tour-de-force of scented melodies and delightfully quick tempo changes, this magnificent blend of fine valses and captivating melodies was written in 1897, representing Strauss’ last stage work. The plot is the standard “lovers’ deception“ and unreturned love…For her devoted support, we express our sincere musical gratitude to Adele Deutsch, Strauss’ new love-interest at the time.

W. A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) – Violin Concerto, K. 216  
In the year 1775, at age nineteen, Mozart wrote no less than five violin concerti, most likely for his own use. Concerto No. 3 follows the classic three movement frame, yet the work displays magnificent lyricism allied to brilliant writing uniquely expressive of human emotions via music.

W. A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) – Symphony No. 41
In the summer of 1788 Mozart composed, within the space of six weeks, his last three symphonies – his most splendid essays in this form. Sir George Grove wrote that: “…it is for the finale that Mozart has reserved all the resources of his science, and all his power, which no one seems to have possessed to the same degree…nowhere has he achieved more. It is the greatest orchestral work….” 

Program notes by Ami Porat