en / pl

Sense and Sensibility

concert number 18

Performers

Programme

Robert Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 [31’]
I. Allegro affettuoso
II. Intermezzo: Andantino grazioso
III. Allegro vivace
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Music to Midsummer Night’s Dream after William Shakespeare (selection) [25’]
Overture
Scherzo
A Dance of Clowns
Wedding March

Concert description

NOTE: Change of soloist

If there is a musical genre that best captures the essence of the Romantic era, it is the 19th century instrumental concerto. An individual pitted against an ensemble, a genius and virtuoso conducting a poignant monologue, and an accompanying orchestra that completes the mood and outlines the background. Robert Schumann was a master of this artistic expression – in his Piano Concerto, the soloist part teems with subcutaneous pulsing emotions, moving from agitation and anger to unspeakable sadness to nostalgic lyricism and gentle sweetness.

But Romanticism is also a delight in the world of imagination, myths and magic. On Midsummer Night, June 23–24, the fantastic characters from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream come to life – each of them finding its musical illustration in Felix Mendelssohn’s composition. Thus, in the Overture we will hear the whirling stomp of the fairies’ dance and the theme of love between Hermia and her fiancé Lysander, the Scherzo paints the grace and beauty of the elves, and A Dance of the Clowns suggests a colorful and witty picture of court entertainments.

– Karolina Dąbek (pisanezesluchu.pl)