Streamed live from Melbourne Recital Centre ,we were privileged to access a most delightful concert led by two outstanding violinists – ANAM Head of String Chamber Music Sophie Rowell and Polish violinist Jakub Jakowicz – who directed ANAM musicians in two works of enduring refinement magnificently performed .
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043 was first, with the whole Orchestra involved and setting a very fast pace. Composed in 1717, the ‘Bach Double’, as it is often called, came with Bach from his previous position in Cöthen when he moved to Leipzig. It is an interesting blended discussion between the Orchestra and soloists that is considered one of the glowing treasures of the Baroque era. While nuanced and polished the opening was running and tumbling, with a circular repeated rhythm.
The second part was slower and more pensive, with soft , flowing waves of sound that soared at times. Again ,a circular melody with the Orchestra united as one voice. The last third part heard a sudden change to fast, furious breathless tumbling , leading to a dramatic flourish for the conclusion .
Composed in 1788 for a concert series in Vienna , while struggling in his personal life , the Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550 by Mozart has four movements I. Molto Allegro II. Andante III. Menuetto and IV. Allegro assai , the standard structure for a ‘ Classical’ symphony (fast movement, slow movement, minuet, fast movement ).
The work begins with the emphatic, scurrying yet lyrical Molto Allegro which has a susurrating accompaniment in the violas.The galloping melody is stated and repeated .Woodwind instruments have a cameo appearance but mostly it is the whole Orchestra , with strings dominating . The movement concludes with a great flourish.
In the second movement, the Andante is delicate at times and mellifluous The use of horns is high lit, with a circular melody taken and repeated, but mostly it is a give-and-take conversation between the various sections of the Orchestra .Which leads to the third movement –
The section III. Menuetto: Allegretto – a tranquil, smooth intermezzo section with both parts repeated and a rather sombre atmosphere at times .
The final section IV. Allegro assai is structured like a sonata, with both parts repeated . It is masterly and brings the concert to a riveting conclusion.
Running time – an hour no interval
Artists
Sophie Rowell director, violin (ANAM Head of String Chamber Music)
Jakub Jakowicz violin
ANAM Musicians
Program
Johann Sebastian Bach
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins (no interval)
Streamed live from Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country.
https://australiandigitalconcerthall.com/#/item/116357
