Last Friday, I went to a concert at the New York Philharmonic. The program featured Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Haydn.
Lincoln Center
View from a box seat
1. Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 17
The concert started with this concerto by Mozart. It was a delightfully beautiful opener for the program. It was yet another Mozartian piece in which I thought I know how the music will proceed, only to find later that Mozart had prepared a phrase I haven’t heard of.
The performance of the conductor/pianist was solid. His dual job was successfully carried out – his minute control across his solo parts and the orchestral parts was intriguing and exciting.
2. Tchaikovsky – Variations on a Rococo Theme
This short composition was a stage of exploration for cello. In this piece, Tchaikovsky was trying to revive the charm of Rococo music, and especially was trying to portray Mozart’s style. However, the music is definitely the one of Romantic era, and it was interesting to listen to the Romantic master composer’s interpretation of Classical era.
This piece must also be a cellist’s dream; Tchaikovsky allowed his fellow cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen to revise the solo parts before the premiere. The cellist at our concert also seemed to be enjoying her solo performance.
3. Haydn – Symphony No. 98
This was a Haydn symphony, yet with more freedom and a bit of ingenuity. This piece was composed in London, during the composer’s hiatus from aristocratic courts. I could sense melancholy, yet robust tunes that are freely exploring outside Haydn’s typical themes. The connection with Mozart can be found in the second movement. It includes references to Mozart, who has passed away at the time of this symphony’s premiere.
The finale is the culmination of Haydn’s free exploration. It features many turns, exciting the audience until the end, where the fortepiano played by the conductor himself comes in for a moment. The entire piece was full of excitement and I enjoyed it.
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