OVERTURE TO “THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO”

(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 1756 – 1791)

The concert programme opens with the overture to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera “The Marriage of Figaro”, K. 492. Brimming with energy, wit and irresistible musical momentum, it ranks among the most brilliant and beloved opera overtures in the history of music.

AIR FROM ORCHESTRAL SUITE NO. 3 IN D MAJOR, BWV 1068

(Johann Sebastian Bach: 1685 – 1750)

Next comes the second movement, “Air”, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068, believed to have been composed between 1717 and 1723. In this movement, the trumpets, oboes and timpani fall silent, while strings and basso continuo unfold a serene, song-like melody of remarkable clarity and expressive beauty. With its floating calm and timeless beauty, the “Air” remains one of Bach’s best-known and most moving works.

MOONLIGHT SONATA · FÜR ELISE

(Ludwig van Beethoven: 1770 – 1827)

Next, Georgii Cherkin performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and “Für Elise” in arrangements for piano and orchestra. Both rank among Beethoven’s most famous works: the “Moonlight Sonata” continues to fascinate with its mysterious opening, while “Für Elise” became world-famous for its unmistakable melody. Who Elise actually was remains uncertain. According to one widely discussed theory, the title may have resulted from a misreading and could originally have been “Für Therese”.

OVERTURE TO “THE BARBER OF SEVILLE”

(Gioachino Rossini: 1792 – 1868)

This is followed by the overture to Gioachino Rossini’s opera “The Barber of Seville”. One of the most important opera composers of his time, Rossini created classics such as “Il barbiere di Siviglia” and “La Cenerentola”, which remain audience favourites to this day.

RONDO ALLA TURCA, K. 331

(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 1756 – 1791)

Shortly before the close of the concert, Georgii Cherkin returns to the stage. At the piano, he performs his own arrangement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Rondo alla Turca”, K. 331, for piano and orchestra.

With its unmistakable rhythm, virtuoso lightness and distinctive Turkish colour, the “Rondo alla Turca” ranks among Mozart’s best-known and most popular melodies.

SYMPHONY NO. 5 IN C MINOR, OP. 67

(Ludwig van Beethoven: 1770 – 1827)

The crowning conclusion to the concert is Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. Its iconic opening motif ranks among the most recognisable themes in the history of music and is often interpreted as “fate knocking at the door”. With its immense dramatic development and triumphant finale, the symphony brings the concert evening to an impressive close.