18th century London had never heard anything like Haydnâs âMilitaryâ symphony â a piece so riotously entertaining that even elegant society ladies found themselves yelling with glee. And entertainment is exactly whatâs on the cards when Nicholas McGegan brings his smiling brand of historically-informed musicianship to bear on an irresistibly quirky programme. Haydnâs smash-hit symphony and stormy overture frame the nymphs, shepherds and love-struck sea-gods of Jean-Marie Leclairâs Scylla et Glaucus, and set the context for the 21-year old Mozartâs masterly re-invention of the piano concerto. For the young American pianist Jonathan Biss, Mozart offers âinsights, like a stroke of lightâ; his partnership with McGegan promises to be especially illuminating.
Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
Nicholas McGegan introduces the works in tonightâs concert.
Post-concert Coda
(approximately 10 minutes after the main concert)
Jonathan Biss performs Beethovenâs Piano Sonata No.27 in E minor, Op.90.
