Schubert's Tragic Symphony

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Image courtesy of L'auditori.

It was not Franz Joseph Haydn who dubbed his Symphony No. 59 The Fire Symphony. As with other works by the composer, it was christened by history, perhaps since it was written so close to the performance of a similarly named play. Also, the music’s force, evoking the power and strength of flames, no doubt had an influence.

As for Franz Schubert, he certainly called his Fourth Symphony “tragic.” Written when he was just 19, the work reveals influences from Haydn’s and Mozart’s symphonies in the minor mode. Even so, the composer never saw its premiere. Like his other symphonies, this work was completely overshadowed by the great Beethoven.

See these pieces plus a solo concerto: on Friday, Robert Schumann’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, with Julia Hagen as soloist; and on Saturday, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, featuring Javier Comesaña.

Program

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 59 in A major, Hob. I/59, The Fire Symphony (c. 1769) 21′
• Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 (1844) 27′ – Saturday
• Robert Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 (1850) 25′ – Friday
• Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 4 in C minor, D. 417, Tragic (1816) 29′

For more music events check our online events calendar.