Herbert Blomstedt conducts Mozart and Voříšek

Maestro Blomstedt and the storied ensemble begin the evening with the Symphony in D by Jan Václav Hugo Voříšek, a Bohemian composer, pianist, and organist born in 1791—the year that saw the death of Mozart. Voříšek's only symphony, the work was never performed in his lifetime but has posthumously become his most played composition, often compared to Beethoven's first two symphonies for its thematic succinctness, bold harmony, and energetic Scherzo. Mozart, who met with great success in the Czech Republic, premiered his Symphony No. 38 in Prague, which gave the work its nickname. In the first movement, a tranquil Adagio gives way to a lively Allegro comprising two themes, one frenzied and the other more placid; the second movement, Andante, mixes major and minor tonalities, serenity and solemnity, leading into the Presto finale marked by a clever nod to the theme from The Marriage of Figaro that accompanies Cherubino's flight from the arriving Count.