BOOKLET

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony in C major K. 338

Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 7 in D minor Op. 70

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony in C major K. 338
The symphony dates back to the summer of 1780 and is the last of the symphonies composed by Mozart in Salzburg. At that time, the musician was full of enthusiasm for what would be the turning point in his life and career. He would soon abandon his job at the court of Archbishop Colloredo where his genius was certainly not fully understood and, leaving behind the servile condition of court musician, he would take the path of free profession by moving to Vienna. The Symphony No. 34 is in three movements instead of four, according to the Italian model that was in use at the time in Salzburg, but even if it lacks the Minuet, it is well balanced with three movements of equal duration and very fine construction. Vitality and enthusiasm can be felt right from the start and are confirmed by the choice of the system key - the assertive C major that makes its way with a decisive march - and in the festive tone of the first movement. The Andante di molto that follows is a masterpiece of chamber grace: only the sonorities of the string quartet with divided violas to which Mozart adds the bassoon. The final movement, on the other hand, is irresistible, all played on the exuberant rhythm of the tarantella that triggers a close dialogue between the instruments in the orchestra.

Antonin Dvořák - Symphony No. 7 in D minor Op. 70
An exemplary synthesis of cultured tradition and Slavic popular spirit, the Symphony No. 7 in D minor Op. 70 by Antonín Dvořák was born at the time of the composer's first international confirmations. It was the London Philharmonic Society that commissioned this new symphony from the Bohemian master, following the success of the concerts he gave in the English capital in 1884. Dvořák was at the time known and esteemed above all for the orchestral transposition of Slavic Dances, pages with markedly folkloric particularly appreciated by the English public. Made in a few months, between December 1884 and March 1885, the Symphony no. 7 debuted in London on April 22, 1885 under the direction of the author. Close to Brahms' symphonic model - of which Dvořák had listened to the Third Symphony a short time before and was strongly impressed by it - Symphony n. 7 shows an austere and balanced character, especially in the first movement, but also typically Slavic traits found in the expanded melodies that animate the second movement (Poco Adagio), in the wild Bohemian dance rhythm of the Scherzo, up to the gypsy and passionate theme that gives life and triumphantly closes the final Allegro.