Concert Description
On 26th September 2018, Atlanta Symphony Hall in Georgia hosted an evening of classical music, featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Robert Spano and pianist Lang Lang. The program showcased Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s works—including the serenade Eine kleine Nachtmusik (1787), Symphony No. 40 (1788), and Piano Concerto No. 24 (1786)—prominent examples of the Classical era, and concluded with a Romantic waltz Grande Valse Brillante (1833) by Polish-French composer Frédéric Chopin as an encore.
Definition of the Genre of Each Piece
A symphony is a large-scale orchestral work consisting of several movements that typically follow a particular structure. A waltz is a triple-time ballroom dance with a strong accent on the first beat. A piano concerto, on the other hand, is a piece for solo piano and orchestra, with three movements, and typically follows a fast-slow-fast structure. Finally, a serenade is a light, often outdoor, piece of music for a small ensemble or orchestra, usually consisting of several movements.
Musical Discussion
Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”
Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” is a quintessential example of Classical period music. It features a simple, catchy melody that is repeated and developed throughout the piece. The piece is written for a string ensemble and consists of four movements: Allegro, Romanze, Menuetto, and Rondo.
The music employs balanced phrasing, clear tonality, homogeneous texture, and a clear formal structure, hallmarks of the Classical style. The first movement, for instance, opens with a simple yet memorable melody that is later developed and varied throughout the movement. The second movement features a lyrical theme repeated with subtle variations, while the third movement is a minuet and trio that follows a traditional ABA form. The final action is a lively rondo that brings the work to a satisfying close. The piece also demonstrates the use of orchestration to create contrast and balance, with sections of the orchestra taking turns playing the melody.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, also from the Classical period, is characterized by its emotional intensity and use of chromatic harmony. The opening movement features a dramatic and urgent theme that sets the tone for the symphony. The second movement is a lyrical, melancholic theme in a minor key, demonstrating the use of tonality to convey emotion. The third movement is a lively minuet, while the final action returns to the urgency and drama of the opening.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24
On the other hand, from the Romantic period, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 marks a departure from the Classical style, characterized by its more complex harmonies and emotional intensity. The concerto is written for solo piano and orchestra, featuring three movements: Allegro, Larghetto, and Allegretto.
The first movement is marked by its dramatic contrasts and use of dark harmonies, foreshadowing the Romantic style that would emerge later. The second movement is a lyrical Larghetto that showcases the piano’s beauty and expressiveness. In contrast, the third movement is a lively Allegretto with a joyful and energetic theme. The piano part is virtuosic and demanding, showcasing Mozart’s skill as a performer and his ability to write technically challenging and musically satisfying music.
Chopin’s Grande Valse Brillante
The final piece on the program was Chopin’s Grande Valse Brillante, a solo piano work composed in 1834 during the Romantic period. One of the prominent features of the Romantic period is its focus on emotions, expression, and individualism. The work captures these features in its flowing and graceful melody. The piece has a sense of fluidity and improvisation, a significant characteristic of the Romantic style.
The piece begins with a slow and melodic introduction that gradually builds to a faster and livelier pace, showcasing the expressive nature of Romantic music. Chopin uses various techniques, such as arpeggios, to create a sense of virtuosity and drama in the piece. The use of rubato, a flexible tempo, is also prevalent in the work, which emphasizes the emotional intensity of the music.
Finally, the piece features lush, chromatic harmonies that move away from the diatonicism of the Classical period. The harmonies create a sense of ambiguity and unpredictability, adding to the music’s emotional impact. The work is characteristic of the Romantic period in its emphasis on emotion and individual expression, as well as its use of virtuosic technique to showcase the performer’s skill and virtuosity.
Overall Reaction to the Concert
The performances by the Atlanta Symphony were convincing and impressive. The orchestra demonstrated a high level of musicianship and precision, effectively conveying the stylistic and emotional characteristics of each piece. Lang Lang was particularly impressive in his performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24, showcasing his incredible technical skill and musicality.
The soloist, Gil Shaham, delivered a virtuosic and expressive performance of Barber’s Violin Concerto, showcasing his technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The conductor, Robert Spano, led the orchestra with clarity and energy, providing a cohesive and dynamic interpretation of the music. Generally, the concert was a thrilling and engaging experience, showcasing the beauty and power of classical music.