Splendour of classical music
The MPO mesmerises with Mozart’s best symphonies, writes Dennis Chua
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) performs gems composed by famed classical music composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at 8.30pm today and 3pm tomorrow.
The concerts take place at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, led by its resident conductor, Naohisa Furusawa.
The MPO has chosen Symphonies No. 39, 40 and 41 for its repertoire list — all hailed as the greatest works ever composed. Composed during a brief period of less than two months in the summer of 1788, the works have remained audience favourites for over 200 years.
The two joyous, life-affirming works frame a dark, deeply serious symphony. In No. 39, the composer reveals all the warm and poetic beauty thronging through his mind, with a soft, diffused colour of music.
Filled with grace, elegance and profundity, this work serves as an apt opening for the concerts.
Next comes No. 40, probably Mozart’s best known symphony, which is a potent harbinger of the Romantic era looming on the horizon.
It is the most intensely expressive of all his symphonies, a music of defiance and unrest, as regarded by critics.
Nicknamed Jupiter, No. 41 is the final music offering of the concerts. It is Mozart’s valedictory effort as a symphonist, which represents the supreme heights of music craftsmanship welded to artistic inspiration. It is the longest and grandest of his symphonies, close to 30 minutes in duration.
Tickets are priced from RM56 to RM141.
Call 03-2331 7007.
dchua@nst.com.my