Beethoven & Haydn with Enrico Onofri

Once again, we have a soloist from our own ranks taking to the stage! This time it is Francesco Sica, who has been the concertmaster of the second violins since 2023. In Ludwig van Beethoven’s two romances, he will be able to showcase his elegant playing and warm tone to perfection. The solo works are framed by two overtures to stage works. The imperious, impetuous opening motif of the ‘Coriolan’ Overture is contrasted by a restless string theme, symbolising the emotional turmoil of the Roman hero. Salvatore Viganò’s libretto and choreography for the Prometheus narrative have been lost, but Beethoven’s musical numbers have survived; the overture in particular has provided a festive opening to many a concert evening. Following on from theatre and ballet music, film is not to be overlooked: with Per Nørgård’s ‘Pastoral’ from the hugely successful 1988 film ‘Babette’s Feast’, the ‘fifth art’ also comes into its own in this programme … Joseph Haydn composed his Symphony No. 100 during his second trip to London, where it was premiered in 1794 and immediately received with enthusiasm. The nickname ‘Military’ does not originate from Haydn and is likely to refer to the percussion instruments used in the second and fourth movements, which are reminiscent of so-called ‘Janissary music’ (Turkish military bands). For the audience at the premiere, however, it was likely the sound of France’s military conflicts at the time that rang in their ears and stirred their emotions. Turbulent times – then as now.