Festival Orchester Berlin — Vivaldi's Four Seasons & Mozart at Philharmonie Berlin (Chamber Music Hall)
Berlin, Philharmonie Berlin — Kammermusiksaal
About the Event
In this highly‐anticipated concert, hear the mellifluous sounds of classical music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi at Berlin's treasured and world‐renowned Philharmonie.
For 25 years, the Festival Orchester Berlin, a multicultural ensemble of musicians from leading European orchestras, has been thrilling audiences with its repertoire of Baroque, Viennese Classical, and Romantic music, complemented by musical rarities. In Berlin, they are particularly known for their unique interpretation of the music of the Venetian master Antonio Vivaldi. With his “Four Seasons,” Vivaldi created a timeless work of art. A virtuoso violinist himself, the composer combined four violin concertos in 1725 to form the “Four Seasons.” The natural phenomena characteristic of each season are enhanced by different sounds. The music thus portrays nature, animals, and humans in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In addition to Antonio Vivaldi's masterpiece, this concert features other highlights by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for violin and chamber orchestra. The orchestra plays on old Italian instruments, guaranteeing an outstandingly beautiful sound.
Program
- Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – selected works
Artists
| Orchestra: | Festival Orchester Berlin |
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Philharmonie Berlin
The Philharmonie, a concert hall that opened in 1963 in West Berlin, is seen as the musical heart of Germany's capital and emerged as the new urban hub following the infamous Berlin Wall's fall. Known for its eye-catching bright yellow exterior and unique tent-like design, it quickly became a city landmark. While the surprising design and architecture faced initial criticism, the Philharmonie is now a global model for concert hall construction. Architect Hans Scharoun aimed to create a venue where the musicians—central to every performance—are visible from all seats, inspiring its distinctive shape. Since its opening, the Berliner Philharmonie has hosted countless concerts, often featuring renowned soloists and conductors.
Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi stands as a pivotal figure in history, renowned as the creator of the instrumental concert genre and hailed as the father of orchestral music. Born in Venice on March 4, 1678, Vivaldi endured a frail childhood plagued by asthma, yet his passion for music remained unshaken. His father, Giovanni Batista, a professional violinist, passed down his skills to young Antonio, immersing him in Venice's vibrant music scene where he performed concerts in local churches. Vivaldi's career blossomed as a violin teacher and later as the music director at the Ospedalle della Pieta orphanage. During this time, he composed a multitude of concertos, sacred pieces, and vocal music, achieving widespread acclaim with his sacred choral compositions in 1713. His fascination with opera led him to roles as both a composer and impresario at the Teatro San Angelo. By 1717, he secured a prestigious post at the prince's court in Manua as a director of secular music, a position he held until around 1720, during which he created the iconic masterpiece, The Four Seasons. The 1730s marked a decline in Vivaldi's career as his compositions fell out of fashion, leading to his death in poverty. It took two centuries for the world to rediscover and reassess Vivaldi's music, which had faded into obscurity after his passing. However, in the early 20th century, the unearthing of many previously unknown works reignited the interest of music lovers, capturing their hearts anew.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Arguably the most significant composer in history, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart hailed from Austria in the late 18th century. Born in 1756 in Salzburg, his extraordinary musical ability was evident from a young age. By the time he was just five, he had composed over 600 pieces, including concertos, symphonies, sacred music, and operas, all before his untimely death at 35. His influence on future generations is immense, with Ludwig van Beethoven once stating that "posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years." Despite the widespread success of his music and the accolades he garnered throughout Europe, Mozart struggled with financial stability and was laid to rest in an unmarked grave at Vienna's St. Marx Cemetery.
Address
Philharmonie Berlin, Herbert‐von‐Karajan‐Str. 1, Berlin, Germany — Google Maps
