Programme Guide

Haydn’s 82nd Symphony is the last of his six so-called Paris Symphonies, composed in the 1780s. The fact that these were commissioned by a French concert promoter is evidence of the international reputation that Haydn had by then acquired. The piece owes its nickname “L’Ours” (The Bear) to its final movement. It reminded contemporaries of the music that was played in the streets at the time to amuse the public and make bears dance.

With his final symphony, the Jupiter, Mozart reached a pinnacle of his compositional art. In the finale, the composer unleashes contrapuntal fireworks in which no fewer than five themes and motifs are heard simultaneously.

In addition to Spinosi, Philipp Jaroussky also celebrates his debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker in this concert. The French countertenor, who like Spinosi has come to prominence by founding his own ensemble, demonstrates in performances of Vivaldi and Rossini arias the broad stylistic spectrum that the leading representatives of his field have now mastered.