CANCELLED: Symphoniker Hamburg / Sylvain Cambreling

Jean-Philippe Rameau’s »Dardanus« is a highlight of the tragédie lyrique, the showcase genre of French Baroque opera. The story is taken from the Greek myths, and tells of the hero Dardanus and his war against King Teucer. Rameau wrote the opera score in 1739, but only after two thorough revisions made in 1744 and 1760 was he satisfied with the result. The final product consisted of three hours of original and imaginative music, which the Symphoniker Hamburg present in the shortened form of a suite.

Olivier Messiaen’s »Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum« for wind instruments and percussion commemorates in music those who fell in the two world wars. A monumental confession of spirituality on Messiaen’s part, but also an important work of the 20th century avant-garde. By way of contrast, »Un Sourire«, the second Messiaen piece on tonight’s programme, is the French composer’s very personal tribute to Mozart.

Mozart’s Symphony no. 41, his final essay in the genre, was written in Venice in 1788, but the first performance did not take place until after the composer’s death. Thanks to its bold structure and irresistible melodies, posterity raised it to the Olympus of all music ever composed. The symphony was later given the nickname »Jupiter« - an expression of what was felt to be its heavenly perfection and the apparently effortless blending of Baroque and contemporary writing.