July 5: Haydn, Schubert and Brahms

Joachim with wife in happier days

The second concert of the 2011 season presents three symphonic masterpieces.
Haydn Symphony #83 in G minor, the second of his six Paris symphonies, has been called “a remarkable fusion of Brilliance, elegance and warmth.” The symphony is known as “La Poule”—“The Hen” because of the musical theme in the second movement played by the oboe in counterpoint with the first violins which sounded to some wit like a hen.

Schubert’s Symphony #8, the “unfinished” symphony, was not completed by Schubert even though he lived another 6 years. It is unknown whether there ever was additional music as the manuscript was not made public for 37 years after his death and at that time had pages torn out.

The Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello is a very rare combination for 19th century: the only 19th century contribu-tion to the 51 known concertos for violin and cello. His final symphonic composition combines the fullness of the Brahmsian symphonic style with the passion of his intimate chamber pieces. The piece was written as a piece offering to the great violinist, Joseph Joachim who had been furious with Brahms for siding with his wife during their divorce proceedings.