Mendelssohn and Mozart: A Tale of Two Musical Prodigies

Classical music is rife with tales of the wunderkind, the prodigy who in seemingly miraculous fashion composes masterpieces and performs even the most difficult of music effortlessly. And in pantheon of these musical prodigies, two stand head and shoulders above the rest- Mendelssohn and Mozart. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra opens its 2014-15 Season with a performance of a work by one of these two titans- Felix Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto in G Minor.

Mendelssohn’s First Concerto is the work of a “mature” composer of 22! Visiting Munich in 1831, Mendelssohn met Delphine von Schauroth, the daughter of a baroness. Writing to his sister, “…that everyone adores Delphine,” it is obvious that Mendelssohn included himself in that group! Within three days he had written “all of the particulars” of the First Concerto, composing in the mornings before and after visiting Delphine. The music is virtuosic but yet emotionally direct, perhaps a reflection of the tugging at Mendelssohn’s heart in connection with these visits! The RSO is fortunate to have a true virtuoso as soloist in their performance of this masterpiece, pianist Jason Hardink. Keyboardist of the Utah Symphony, Jason is a regular soloist with the orchestra as well as with other orchestras and chamber groups every concert season.

Compared to Mendelssohn, as a composer Mozart was a bit of a slacker- none of his youthful works have endured as true masterpieces as have a number of Mendelssohn’s. On their March 5th, 2016 concert, the RSO performs Mozart’s Symphony #35 “Haffner,” a work by an “adult” composer of 25! One of his finest, and most popular, symphonies, it is brimming with energy and abandon, and of course Mozart’s unique style and grace.

Besides Mendelssohn and Mozart, the RSO’s 2015-16 Season is overflowing with musical masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Haydn, Richard Strauss and many more. World-class performances of the greatest music ever written- it’s the RSO’s “calling card,” and what we do best!

Join us on October 3rd for the RSO’s season opening performance, featuring Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances! Or subscribe for three, four or five concerts and save 10% off single ticket prices as well as ensuring the best seating available. For more information, subscriptions and tickets for October 3rd, call the RSO at 203-438-3889 or visit our website at www.RidgefieldSymphony.org.