KZN Philharmonic Orchestra 2024 SUMMER Symphony Season Concert 4

ABOUT

Concert 4: 21 March 2024

CONDUCTOR: Daniel Boico

SOLOIST: Nina Schumann, piano

Megan-Geoffrey Prins, piano

Dvorák, Antonín Czech Suite, op.39, D major

Saint-Saëns, Camille Le carnaval des animaux (Carnival of the Animals) - Nina Schumann (piano) and Megan-Geoffrey Prins (piano)

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Symphony No.38, K.504, D major

Dvorák’s Czech Suite comprises five movements: a Praeludium-Pastorale; a Polka; a Czech folk-dance introduced by the clarinets and bassoons; a Romanza, featuring flute and English horn; and finally, the fifth movement Furiant, another lively Czech folk-dance. A delightful curtain-raiser, the Czech Suite premiered in Prague on May 16, 1879. The work is scored for two flutes, two oboes, one English horn, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings.

Camille Saint-Saëns’ enchanting Carnival of the animals is a celebration of nature. A party piece, written to celebrate Mardi Gras, the colourfully scored work is full of musical references and quotes, its graphic movements engaging the listener in a cavalcade of successive contrasting movements, as follows: Introduction and Royal March of the Lion; Hens and Roosters; Wild Donkeys—Swift Animals; Tortoises; The Elephant; Kangaroos; Aquarium; Characters with Long Ears; Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods; Aviary; Pianists; Fossils; The Swan; and Finale. Mozart composed his Symphony No. 38 in late 1786. It premiered in Prague on January 19, 1787, during Austrian composer’s first visit to the city he came to love. Because it was first performed in Prague, it is popularly known as the Prague Symphony.

Mozart's autograph thematic catalogue records December 6, 1786, as the date of completion for this composition. Other Mozart masterworks roughly contemporary with this symphony include the B flat Piano Trio, the great C Major Piano Concerto K505, and the concert aria for soprano, piano and orchestra, Ch'io mi scordi di te?... Non temer, amato bene’. Although Mozart's popularity in Vienna waxed and waned, he had a devoted following in Prague. Besides the Prague Symphony, other triumphs Mozart enjoyed in the capital were the world premiere of Don Giovanni. Prague was also the city in which Mozart’s last opera, La Clemenza di Tito. was born.

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