Rococo happenings in music: Haydn, Tchaikowski & Schnittke

The “Farewell” symphony was the musical fruit of a protest which Haydn directed at Prince Esterházy, whose court composer he was, in 1772. In order to convey to the prince that the court musicians could not stay at the nobleman’s summer residence away from their families any longer, Haydn asked each musician to blow out the candle on their music stand after playing the short parting solo he had written for each of them, and then to leave the room. In the end, just two violins are left to bring the piece through to its conclusion. The Camerata plays the symphony on period instruments and with 13 musicians—the same number Haydn had at his disposal.

Almost two centuries later, one of the most famous composers of the 20th century, Alfred Schnittke, was inspired by Haydn’s musical happening to create his own based on an unfinished sketch for a pantomime by Mozart. Which is how he came to write Moz-ART, which is played à la Haydn with the musicians departing one by one at the end, leaving the conductor all alone conducting… no one!

The playfulness of Haydn’s age also inspired one of Tchaikovski’s masterpieces: his variations on a rococo theme for cello and orchestra.

Program

F.J. Haydn
Symphony no. 45, “Farewell”, in F sharp minor (1772)
on period instruments

P.I. Tchaikovski
Variations on a rococo theme, for cello and orchestra, op. 33 (1877)
on modern instruments
Soloist: Renato Ripo, cello

Alfred Schnittke
“Moz-ART à la Haydn” (1977)
Musical happening for 2 violins, 2 small string ensembles, double bass and conductor
on modern instruments

Parallel Event

Open dress rehearsals: The Camerata opens up its dress rehearsals to school groups!

Wednesday 10 October and Wednesday 28 November 2012
Monday 4 February and Saturday 20 April 2013
10:30-12:30 | Main Stage | 5€ per student

Enjoy the unique experience of attending a dress rehearsal by one of Greece’s top orchestras.

The musicians of the Camerata and the internationally-celebrated conductor, George Petrou, are your guides around the magical world of classical music. Talk to the maestro and the musicians, learn about the masterpieces they are rehearsing, see what an orchestral rehearsal is like from close up, get to know the different musical instruments and—why not?—even have a go at playing one. Enjoy the unique sound of the orchestra and the superb acoustics of the Main Stage at the Onassis Stegi.
Given a more friendly face, classical music is accessible to all students, who are treated to a unique interactive experience.

The program will be staged by the Camerata’s conductor, George Petrou, and the orchestra's musicians.

Addressed to:
Schoolchildren aged 9-13

Reservations:
T: 213 017 8004
Email: stegi.education@onassis.org