Programme Guide

Riccardo Minasi, who as co-founder and long-time director of the original sound ensemble Il Pomo d’Oro was quick to place emotion at the centre of his interpretations, is certain: “There is nothing more beautiful than Mozart in full colour”. His recordings explore the rhetorical dimensions of Mozart’s oeuvre, from euphoric and colourful to intimate and delicate – “High-voltage Mozart,” was the verdict of Deutschlandfunk.

So it’s no surprise that the Roman-born composer has chosen an all-Mozart programme for his debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker. It opens with the Così fan tutte overture, a piece full of subtle irony in the characteristic buffo style. Minasi then turns to the “Haffner” Symphony, which Mozart compiled from his serenade of the same name – the music, the composer wrote, “is sure to make a good impression”. Before the famous G minor Symphony, K. 550, we will hear the Concertone for two violins and orchestra. The work is a delightful combination of the Classical symphony and the Baroque concerto grosso. The soloists are 1st concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley, and Thomas Timm, 1st principal of the second violins.