If Mozart wasn’t such a highly gifted violinist in his early years would the symphonic world be blessed with the five violin concertos he composed before the age of nineteen? Would they have been so brilliantly conceived and written?
It’s hard to say. But acclaimed violinist, Nikolaj Znaider, who will perform the classical prodigy’s “Turkish Violin Concerto, No 5” with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra this week, has his own ideas on the subject.
“There is a rightness to the [concertos], a total effortless [aspect] in their ideas and the way they are developed and brought forth,” he said, speaking this week from his hotel room in Munich. “This is so appealing to us, and at the same time mystical, because it defies any logic. You see this as a struggle in all artists — except Mozart.”
And though he eventually focused on piano, these early works of Mozart were composed to display the violin’s singing and pure tone. This is especially true of his final and arguably the greatest of his violin concertos. The moniker “Turkish” refers to the quick-tempo section in the piece’s finale, where, according to guest conductor, Ludovic Morlot the orchestra performs “alla Turca,” meaning “in the Turkish style.”
“Mozart was inspired by those rhythm and folk elements,” he said.
Morlot also feels that a Mozart piece would place well in any program. To that end, he has included in the evening’s repertoire, Dukas’ classic work, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and Franck’s “Symphony in D-Minor.”
“I think Dukas is a neglected genius … his voice is outstanding,” Morlot continued. “Franck is also underrated … he was very adventurous.”
Belgian composer Cesar Franck wrote his only symphony in honor of Beethoven and it is marked by a variety of orchestral textures. Paul Dukas, a protégé of Franck adds a feel of frenetic frivolity in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a piece long associated with Walt Disney’s “Fantasia.”
In the end, however, the shining star of the program is clearly Mozart’s contribution and both Morlot’s and Znaider’s respect for the piece.
“Some people call his music divine,” Znaider said, adding, “There are good composers, bad composers and mediocre composers … and then there is Mozart.”
IF YOU GO
BSO Celebrity Concert Series: Mozart Violin Concerto No.5
Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:00 a.m. Saturday
Tickets: $26 to $75
More Info: 410-783-8000 or www.bsomusic.org
The Casual Concert Saturday program does not include the Mozart piece.
