Classical Heights

Stravinsky’s concerto for orchestra derives inspiration not only from Bach but also from musical ideas from across the entire 18th century, giving it a particularly eclectic air – a blend of traditional counterpoint and fugal writing with Stravinsky’s spiky melodic lines and syncopated rhythms. One of his earliest compositions for orchestra, the Second Piano Concerto reflects Beethoven’s mastery of Classical form and style. Underneath the Mozartian structure, we can hear glimpses of the mature Beethoven, especially in his use of unexpected harmonies and the muscular and powerful solo part. Mozart’s extraordinary complexity and superb craft reached their peak in what has been described as one of the towering artistic masterworks of Western civilization. Bubbling over with Mozart’s high spirits and compositional genius, the music of his final symphony, perhaps nicknamed Jupiter due to its magnitude, is of exalted greatness beyond compare.