Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
Berlioz / Martucci / Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Italy – the country we long for! One of the best examples of this longing in music history is the »Italian Symphony« that Mendelssohn wrote aged only 21. He made his first trip to Italy in 1830, and was so filled with enthusiasm and creative energy that a new symphony was the outcome.
But then the composer was struck by doubt and wondered whether he should revise the score. Perhaps because the new work was such a contrast to the »classical symphonies« from the pen of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven? Mendelssohn’s first movement already seems like a radiant finale whose dynamic brio is nothing short of breathtaking.
Italy is also the country of opera! Little is known about the aspirations to provide a home for instrumental music, for symphonies and chamber music, in this operatic land, but one key figure in the field was Giuseppe Martucci, a follower of Wagner and Brahms.
Performers
Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg
Clémentine Margaine soprano
conductor Ariane Matiakh
Programme
Hector Berlioz
Le carnaval romain / Ouverture caractéristique op. 9
Giuseppe Martucci
La canzone dei ricordi
– Interval –
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, »Italian«