Thanks to Connie Woloschuk, a Canadian friend and colleague who sent me these links, a couple of CBC (Canada) radio programs on Mozart she enjoyed over the holiday season.
Part 1:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/ID/2426383766/
From boyhood triumphs to burial in a common grave; a Mozart “grand tour” with historians, archivists, musicians, musicologists, even a Freudian analyst, recorded in Paris, London, Prague, Vienna and Salzburg. PLUS excerpts from Mozart’s letters.
Part 2:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Living+Out+Loud/ID/2428141154/
Which of Mozart’s arias were composed in return for sexual favours? Do we see in Don Giovanni a coded quest to kill his father? Why did Mozart gamble so recklessly? Was the mysterious “grey messenger” who commissioned the Requiem the harbinger of his death?
My last entry about Mozart Museum at Bertramka was early this year, February 2013. The other day I tried searching for a more recent update about this place I last visited in 2007. According to my favourite source and friend, Sherry Davis, founder of "The Chronicles of a Modern Day Mozartian," there hasn't been any change in a while. On further looking into, I realised that I overlooked Sherry's last update which she wrote last year in October, and deserves inclusion here.
The Plight of Mozart's Eden: Saving the Villa Bertramka
The article entitled The Plight of Mozart's Eden: Saving the Villa Bertramka, was written by Sherry Davis to honour the first performance of Don Giovanni, one of Mozart's most famous operas. It was published on HISTPRES, the premiere online community for young and emerging preservationists. In this article, Sherry also included a photo of Dr. Kathryn Libin, founder of Friends of Bertramka, giving donation to Dr. Volek of the Czech Mozart Society of Bertramka. Read more ... The Plight of Mozart's Eden
Opera Hänsel und Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck: plot synopsis, character list, and other Humperdinck opera information.
The fairy tale opera Hänsel und Gretel by 19th- century German composer Engelbert Humperdinck is based on a German folk tales by the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, adapted from the Grimm brothers' fairy tale of the same title. The opera was written by Humperdinck in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892, although other biographers include 1893. it was first performed in Weimar on December 23, 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss.
It is much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "Abendsegen" ("Evening Benediction") from Act 2. After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera. The opera has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances and until today it is still most often performed at Christmas time.
Classical Music / Composers Datebook: December 16 (or 17)
Considered greatest of German classical composers, Beethoven was baptized in Bonn. His exact birth date is unknown. Biographers generally quote December 16.
Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized December 16 (17), 1770 – March 26, 1827), was a German composer and pianist. He is regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of music, a predominant figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music.
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, to Johann van Beethoven and Magdalena Keverich van Beethoven. He was baptized on December 17, but his family and later teacher Johann Albrechtsberger celebrated his birthday on December 16. Beethoven's first music teacher was his father, a musician in the Electoral court at Bonn who was apparently a harsh and unpredictable instructor. Johann would often come home from a bar in the middle of the night and pull young Ludwig out of bed to play for him and his friend.
Beethoven's talent was recognised at a very early age. His first notable teacher was Christian Gottlob Neefe. In 1787 young Beethoven traveled to Vienna for the first time.
Mozart had a powerful influence on the early works of Beethoven. They are said to have met in Vienna this year, however, there is no evidence of this. Planned to study under Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this did not materialise when he was summoned to his mother's deathbed who was dying of tubercolosis. She died when he was 16, shortly followed by his sister, and for several years he was responsible for raising his two younger brothers because of his father's worsening alcoholism.
Later, when he moved to Vienna in 1792, Mozart had died the previous year. He studied for a time with Joseph Haydn and quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. From the beginning to the end of his creative life, Beethoven constantly expanded his style and ideals, and his work forms a bridge between the Classical and Romantic periods.
In his late twenties he began to lose his hearing and this came as a terrible blow, and yet he continued to produce notable masterpieces throughout his life in the face of this personal disaster. His reputation and genius have inspired generations of composers, musicians, and audiences after him.
Mozart's Influence on Beethoven
From Beethoven's childhood, it appeared that everybody wanted him to be a Mozart! How did this expectation influence his life? Here's an interesting article from 'Popular Beethoven'. Read on, here.
Key works
Beethoven's key works include piano concertos, Piano Sonatas, Mass in D (Missa Solemnis), the nine symphonies, and some strings, and Fidelio, his only opera. One famous piece of music is his "Fur Elise". one of his last String Quartets, Op. 131 in C sharp minor has the largest number of movements, which is 7.
Below video: Featuring Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" live at the Sydney Opera House. Performed by our Sydney Philharmonia Choir's ChorusOz, hosted by the ABC Classic with presenters Vanessa Hughes and Damien Beaumont. The concert is part of ChorusOz, run annually by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Performed by Sharon Zhai (soprano), Bronwyn Douglass (mezzo-soprano), Brad Cooper (tenor), Simon Meadows (bass-baritone), ChorusOz 2019, Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra, Brett Weymark (conductor). ChorusOz 2019. (The performance was a part of ChorusOz, run annually by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to let people who can't commit to a regular choir have the opportunity to sing at the Sydney Opera House. Other singers across Australia and visiting singers are also invited to join.)
Most famous work: Symphony 9 "Choral"
The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral", is a choral symphony considered Beethoven's most famous work, composed between 1822 and 1824. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824. The symphony is regarded by many critics and musicologists as a masterpiece of Western classical music and one of the supreme achievements in the history of music. One of the best-known works in common practice music, it stands as one of the most frequently performed symphonies in the world. This is the crowning glory of his "Immortal Nine" symphonies. The fourth movement (Finale), its concluding magnificent chorus, Ode an die Freude (Ode to Joy), is the official anthem of the European Union. about
peace and triumph of universal brotherhood against war and desperation,
and the prelude to the fourth – and final – movement of Ludwig van
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
According to the late Dr. Frank Horsfall, Jr. cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of cells. His theory provided a basis for numerous more cancer research in finding ways to treat cancer and how heredity control in cells could be a tool in cancer prevention.
Frank Lappin Horsfall, Jr. (Seattle, December 14, 1906 – New York, February 19, 1971) was an American physician specializing in pathology. The Tamm-Horsfall protein is named after Igor Tamm and him. He was a clinician and a virologist whose influential leadership came primarily through his perceptive scientific experimentation. He spent all his formative years in Seattle until he was 21.
"An American in Paris" by George Gershwin premieres, December 13, 1928, conducted by Walter Damrosch with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in New York City.
An American in Paris by American composer George Gershwin is a symphonic tone poem written in 1928. It was inspired by the time he spent in Paris evoking the good feeling and wonderful experiences of Paris in the 19920s. This work is popular and considered one of Gershwin's best compositions.
New York Philharmonic Orchestra in North Korea, conducted by Lorin Maazel.
Gershwin was on commission from the New York Philharmonic to compose An American in Paris. He scored the piece for the standard instruments of the symphony orchestra plus celesta, saxophones, and automobile horns.
During the premiere of this work on December 13, 1928, in Carnegie Hall, New York, Gershwin brought back some Parisian taxi horns. Walter Damrosch conducted the New York Symphony. Gershwin completed the orchestration on November 18, three weeks before the premiere of the work. He collaborated on the original program notes with Deems Taylor, a critic and composer himself.
The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral", is a choral symphony, the final complete symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed between 1822 and 1824. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824. The symphony is regarded by both critics and musicologists as a masterpiece of Western classical music and one of the supreme achievements in the history of music. It stands as one of the most frequently performed symphonies in the world. The most unique feature of “The Ninth” was that Beethoven included chorus and vocal soloists in the final movement. He was the first major composer to do this in a symphony.
The Ninth was the first example of a major composer scoring vocal parts in a symphony. The final (4th) movement of the symphony, commonly known as the Ode to Joy, features four vocal soloists and a chorus in the parallel modulated key of D major. The text was adapted from the "An die Freude (Ode to Joy)", a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additional text written by Beethoven. It held a lifelong attraction for the composer. Likewise, Beethoven's melodic setting of Schiller's Ode in the finale of Beethoven's Ninth was the product of an extended genesis.
In the 20th century, an instrumental arrangement of the chorus was adopted by the Council of Europe, and later the European Union, as the Anthem of Europe.
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony conclusively bridged the gap between classical and romantic music and set the standard for future composers through his use of the choral finale combined with past musical traditions.
Trivia:
"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"
Many of us grew up singing this hymn. "The Hymn of Joy" (often called "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee", video uploaded by Martijn de Groot) is a poem written by Henry van Dyke in 1907 in being a Vocal Version of the famous "Ode to Joy" melody of the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's final symphony, Symphony No. 9.
"Ode to Freedom"
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Leonard Bernstein conducted this historic concert, on Christmas day 1989, in the Schauspielhaus Berlin (GDR), in a city no longer divided. On the program was Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Op. 125, fifth movement, V. Allegro assai vivace, the final chorus of which became an ode, not only to joy, but to freedom. It was broadcast live in more than 20 countries, a radiant performance, breathing the joy and emotion felt at this turning point in history. Artists: June Anderson, soprano; Sarah Walker, mezzo-soprano; Klaus König, tenor; Jan-Hendrik Rootering, bass; Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks; Members of the Rundfunkchor Berlin Kinderchor der Philharmonie Berlin, (Chorus Masters: Wolfgang Seelinger, Jörg-Peter Weigle, and Wolfgang Berger);
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks; Members of the Sächsiche Staatskapelle Dresden; Orchestra of the Kirov Theatre Leningrad; London Symphony Orchestra; New York Philharmonic and the Orchestre de Paris.
Some films that used Beehoven's Symphony 9
"Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994)
"A Clockwork Orange" (1971)
"Cruel Intentions" (1999)
"Dead Poets Society" (1989)
"Die Hard" (1988)
"Mr. Jones" (1993)
The curse of the 'ninth'
The curse of the ninth is a superstition connected with the history of classical music. It is the belief that a ninth symphony is destined to be a composer's last and
that the composer will be fated to die while or after writing it, or before completing a tenth.
Conductor, Writer and Symphonist known For 'Symphonie Fantastique'
French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), is one of the founders of modern orchestration. Together with Liszt and Wagner, he was a major figure in the Romantic movement. He was inspired by literature and drama, with a theatrical quality.
(Louis) Hector Berlioz was born on December 11, 1803, an elder son of a provincial doctor. His father sent him to Paris to study medicine but instead, he entered the conservatory of music, where he won the Prix de Rome in 1830. He was expected to follow
his father into medicine, and he attended a Parisian medical college
before defying his family by taking up music as a profession.
His
independence of mind and refusal to follow traditional rules and
formulas put him at odds with the conservative musical establishment of
Paris. He briefly moderated his style sufficiently to win France's
premier music prize, the Prix de Rome, but he learned little from the academics of the Paris Conservatoire.
Opinion was divided for many years between those who thought him an
original genius and those who viewed his music as lacking in form and
coherence.
Nativity oratorio by Hector Berlioz: oratorio's brief history, cast of characters, and synopsis.
The Childhood of Christ is a sacred oratorio composed by French composer Hector Berlioz who also wrote the text himself. The original language was in French with the title "L'Enfance du Christ," Trilogie sacrée, Op. 25.
Writing of the piece started in 1850 with "La Fuite en Egypte" (The Flight into Egypt.) It continued in 1853 with "L'Arivée à Sais" (The Arrival at Sais) and only completed after a year with "Le Songe d'Hérode" (Herod's Dream).
Video Credit:
Berlioz : L’Enfance du Christ (the Childhood of Christ). The Orchestre National de France conducted by James Conlon performs “ l’Enfance du Christ “ composed by Hector Berlioz, with François Lis ( Herode), Stéphane Degout (Joseph), Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Marie), Nahuet di Pierro (Polydorus) and Jérémy Ovenden (narrator). Concert tribute to Sir Colin Davis.
2:36 Part 1 Le songe d’Hérode (Herod’s Dream)
44:00 Part 2 La fuite en Egypte (The Flight to Egypt)
01:00:15 Part 3 L’arrivée à Saïs (The arrival at Sais). YouTube, uploaded by France Musique. Accesssed December 12, 2020.
Image credit:
CD Cover: Berlioz "L'enfance du Christ" MUNCH RCA Shaded Dog 1957 LM-6053 NM Red Seal.
(c) December 2013. Updated December 12, 2020. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.
Finland's greatest 19th century nationalist composer, whose musical inspirations were derived from native legends. Famous for symphonic poem 'Finlandia' and orchestral works.
”Nature is coming to life: that life which I so love, now and forever, whose essence shall infuse everything that I compose." ~ Jean Sibelius
Johan Julius Christian "Jean" Sibelius (Dec 8, 1865 – Sept 20, 1957) was a classical music Finnish composer, one of the most notable composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. Considered the most distinguished Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius was comfortably brought up in a musical environment by his mother and grandmother.
A son of an army doctor, he was born into a Swedish-speaking family in Haemeenlinna in the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland. Although known as "Janne" to his family, during his student years he began using the French form of his name, "Jean", from a stack of visiting cards used by his seafaring uncle.
His family sent him to a Finnish language school, and he attended The Haemeelinna normal-lycee from 1876 to 1885. Romantic Nationalism was to become a crucial element in Sibelius's artistic output and his politics. The heart of Sibelius's ouvre is his seven symphonies. He used each one to develop a single musical idea and to further develop his own personal compositional style, very much like Beethoven. His works continue to be performed frequently in the concert hall and recorded.
This day, December 6 (1846), Hector Berlioz conducts the first performance of his French "opéra de concert," La Damnation de Faust (The Damnation of Faust), at the Opéra Comique, in Paris. Libretto is written by Hector Berlioz and Amire Gandonniere. It was based on G. de Nerval's adaptation of "Faust" by Johann Von Goethe. The Damnation of Faust (French: La damnation de Faust) , Op. 24, is a work for orchestra, four solo voices, and large children's chorus by French composer Hector Berlioz. He called it a dramatic legend (légende dramatique.)
It was not successful in its first performance, one reason was due to its being midway between opera and cantata. The composer was deeply hurt by the unsatisfactory critical acclaim and public indifference at the time. However, since its first successful complete performance in concert in Paris, 1877, La Damnation de Faust has been regularly performed in concert halls.
Wolfgang A. Mozart's last words? It is not easy to verify the composer's last words, however, he allegedly passed away
after saying: "The taste of death is upon my lips...I feel something
that is not of this earth".
Johann Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart (January 27, 1756 - December 5, 1791)
Since his death in 1791, Wolfgang A. Mozart's Requiem has remained a profound presence in the midst of the world events, both tragic and joyous... although it talks about death as dark, agonizing, and pleading of help, Mozart's requiem is not a depressing work but rather graceful and powerful.
At the age of 35, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passes away almost an hour after midnight on December 5, 1791, leaving his last composition, the Requiem Mass in D minor (K, 626), unfinished and completed with the assistance from his pupil Franz Xaver Süssmayr. This work is one of Mozart's considered masterpieces and most popular works to this day. While ailing and confined to bed, he tirelessly worked on it. (Image: MozartProject.org)
Süssmayr work on completion from the Unfinished Mozart Requiem
The Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626, was the last composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and was left
unfinished at the Austrian composer's untimely demise in Vienna and completed by his devoted pupil Franz Xaver Süssmayr. Under the supervision of Constanze, Mozart's widow, efforts to complete the Requiem began immediately after the composer's death. She contracted a pupil of Mozart, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, to finish the work. Initially, she contracted two composers to work on Requiem's completion: Joseph Eybler and Franz Xaver Süssmayr. Joseph Eybler (1765-1846), was a good musician who later became Hofkapellmeister. He orchestrated the Dies irae as the Lacrimosa. Then he stopped working on it.
The Requiem was delivered to Count Franz von Walsegg, who had anonymously commissioned the piece for a requiem Mass to commemorate his wife's death anniversary, February 14. The Requiem Mass was first performed on January 2, 1793, in a private concert for the benefit of Mozart's grieving wife, Constanze Mozart.
Photo: THE DEATH OF MOZART
Oil painting by Irish artist Henry O'Neill circa 1870
Below video, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem in D minor K 626 (complete), with Nathalie Stutzmann, conductor · OSESP Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo · Coro Acadêmico e Coro da Osesp · Lisa Larsson, soprano · Wilke te Brummelstroete, mezzo soprano · John Mark Ainsley, tenor · Burak Bilgili, baritone / Recorded at Sala São Paulo, Brazil, 21 November 2013. Here's a link to another performance conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann: Mozart: Requiem - BBC PROMS 2019, The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, with Fatma Said, Kathryn Rudge, Sunnyboy Dladla and David Shipley in Mozart's Requiem. YouTube, uploaded by David Durham. Accessed December 6, 2022.
The Requiem is scored for 2 basset horns in F, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets in D, 3 trombones (alto, tenor & bass), timpani (2 drums), violins, viola and basso continuo (cello, double bass, and organ). The vocal forces include soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass soloists and a mixed choir of standard SATB.
Sharing Wolfgang A. Mozart 's Final Work - Requiem in D
Please join Mozartians and Mozart admirers all over the world in celebrating the 222nd death anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arguably the greatest composer of all time. For our dear readers' reflective listening pleasure, we share with you his final work - Mozart's Requiem. The performance we've chosen is interpreted by Gardiner backed up by a small but excellent music group. So melancholy, solemn, and fit to commemorate someone who has immensely delighted us with his music through time.
Join Mozartians and Mozart admirers worldwide in celebrating Mozart's 230th death anniversary this year 2021. For our readers' reflective listening pleasure, we share with you his final work - Mozart's Requiem in D. The performance is interpreted by Sir Georg Solti backed up by Wiener Philharmoniker. So melancholy, solemn, and fit to commemorate someone who has immensely delighted us with his music through time.
What: An Invitation to Celebrate Mozart Death Anniversary When: Thursday, December 5, 2013 Time: 12:20am until 12:55am in EST
A candlelight vigil recognizing Mozart's death anniversary. Light your candle at 12:20am (local time) and extinguish it at 12:55am. This 35 minute duration represents Mozart's 35 years of life and 12:55am represents the time his light left our world on December 5, 1791. This vigil is intended to be a unique and personalized shared experience for Mozart admirers worldwide.
Participants are invited to write a short note/letter and take a photo of it next to their candle. They are also welcome to appear in their photos and add other elements of original creativity! All photos will be published on www.moderndaymozartian.com. Photos may be submitted (include name and country) here on the Facebook vigil event page or direct to Sherry@ModernDayMozartian.com. We thank all participants for making this a special global event.
Credit Courtesy:
Sherry Davis, founder of Modern Day Mozartian, for the invitation notice and image.
Mozart's Requiem performance on the bicentenary of his death, 1991.
W. A. Mozart (Jan 27, 1756 - Dec. 5, 1791)
On the bicentenary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's death, December 5, 1991, Vienna hosted a special performance of his Requiem as a liturgical mass, for him as the decedent. It was performed at St. Stephen's Cathedral, where Mozart's wedding and funeral services were held.
Hearing prayers for Mozart in this sacred place which was so central to his life, is absolutely arresting. The soloists, choir and musicians are conducted by Sir Georg Solti, all being of the highest order. The end is not met with the applause we are accustomed to hearing in concert performances, but a recessional of melancholy beauty.
Related Article: Mozart Requiem Completed (My apology, the site where I published my article is currently unavailable. / Tel, March 20, 2016.)
Mozart - Requiem - Cecilia Bartoli - George Solti 1991
Video Credit:
Mozart Requiem - Cecilia Bartoli with George Solti conducting. Accessed Dec 3, 2013.
Post Credit:
Sherry Davis, The Chronicles of Modern Day Mozartian.
The tragic two-act English opera Billy Budd was composed by Benjamin Britten. Libretto was written by E. M. Forster and Eric Crozier, based on the story by Herman Melville. It was first performed at the London Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, December 1, 1951. Setting is onboard H.M.S. Indomitable, a 74-gun ship, during the French and English wars of 1797.
Peter Grimes marked the start of a series of English operas, of which Billy Budd (1951) and The Turn of the Screw (1954) were particularly admired. These operas share common themes, with that of the 'outsider' particularly prevalent.
Where a feature, such as a character, is excluded or misunderstood by society, often this is the protagonist, such as Peter Grimes and Owen Wingrave in their eponymous operas. Benjamin Britten is the subject of a piece by the Estonian composer Arvo Paert titled Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, one of the most beautiful compositions by Paert.
Video Credit:
Britten - Billy Budd - 1966 BBCTV recording complete. Youtube, uploaded by Oliver Drake. Accesed December 1, 2013.
