Mozart’s final symphonies are pinnacles of Classicism that boldly point to the Romantics. His Symphony No. 40 opens in a state of nervous agitation and culminates in an edge-of-your-seat finale that Wagner called “exuberant with rapture and audacity.” The “Emperor” Piano Concerto is grandly virtuosic and heroic in spirit—a towering landmark where Beethoven the master pianist and symphonist are brilliantly fused.
Performers

Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Robert Spano, Conductor
Kelley O’Connor, Mezzo-Soprano
Jeremy Denk, Piano

Program

MOZART Symphony No. 40
BRYCE DESSNER New Work for Mezzo-Soprano and Orchestra (World Premiere, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall)
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”