<p>At the age of 14, W. A. Mozart composed a group of symphonies during his Italian journey (1769–71). No. 10 KV 74 in G major consists of two movements, as the first two parts are connected. The work has a typical Italian character; it is elegant, inventive in its themes, and rich in contrasts.</p>
<p>Johann Christian Bach was the youngest of J. S. Bach’s composing sons. He wrote more than 90 symphonies, overtures, operas, solo concertos, and church music, significantly influencing the young Mozart, who heard him in London. Johann Christian’s style, known as “London Bach,” is often described as gallant or rococo, with elements of “Sturm und Drang.” It is no exaggeration to say that his only minor-key symphony, the distinctive No. 6 op. 6, points forward to both classical and romantic eras.</p>
<p>Thomas Linley Jr. was called the “English Mozart.” He also met Mozart on an Italian journey but died at the young age of 22. His violin concerto deserves to be heard, as does Mozart’s first violin concerto in B-flat major (1775), where the particularly expressive and melodic slow movement leaves a strong impression. Before concluding the concert with this work, we will hear a symphony in E-flat major by Josef Myslivecek, who also encountered Mozart in Italy. From Giovanni Battista Martini, who was Mozart’s teacher for a time, we get an Allegro from the first sonata. Following that, Mozart and his “Querite primum regnum Dei,” Seek first the kingdom of God (and his righteousness), originally for choir. Martini wrote a piece with the same title, which Mozart copied.</p>
<p>PROGRAM<br> Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791):<br> Symphony No. 10 in G major, K. 74 (1770) 8 min.<br> Allegro<br> Andante<br> Rondeau. Allegro</p>
<p>Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782):<br> Symphony No. 12 in G minor (“Sinfonia”) Op. 6/6, CW C12 (1769) 13 min.<br> Allegro<br> Andante piu tosto adagio<br> Allegro molto</p>
<p>Thomas Linley Jr. (1756-1778):<br> Violin Concerto in F major (1773) 18 min<br> Moderato<br> Moderato<br> Adagio</p>
<p>Intermission 25 min.</p>
<p>Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781):<br> Symphony for 2 horns, 2 oboes, and string orchestra in E-flat major (1778-1780) 10 min.<br> Spiritoso<br> Andantino<br> Presto</p>
<p>Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:<br> Violin Concerto No. 1 in B-flat major, K. 207 (1775) 21 min.<br> Allegro moderato<br> Adagio<br> Presto</p>
<p>CONTRIBUTORS<br> Shunske Sato, conductor and violin</p>