TALLINN - What would Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart think if he were alive today? Heavy Metal, British pop, Britney Spears… the idea's a bit scary. As Europe celebrates Mozart's 250th anniversary this month, we can only hope the immortal virtuoso isn't turning in his grave.
On Jan. 27, 1756, Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus was born into the world, bringing with him a talent that would bless the face of music for centuries to come. Along with almost every cosmopolitan city in Europe, Tallinn will commemorate the classical mastermind in concert.
Few would disagree that Mozart is one of the most beloved and performed composers of all time. His pinnacles of symphonic, chamber, piano, operatic and choral music have and continue to inspire generations.
Along with Haydn and Beethoven, Mozart has become an icon of the classical style. Clarity, balance, transparity and an uncomplicated harmonic language define his music and the period as a whole.
Mozart is often placed with Schubert, as they both share a gift for pure, simple, and memorable melody. it is this sublime simplicity for which Mozart is most admired. "Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music," the composer once said.
In Estonia, music organizations from Parnu to Valga have joined together to commemorate the life and works of this timeless artist. The talents behind the festival are testimony alone to Mozart's greatness: the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians, the Academy of Music and Theatre, the City Orchestra of Parnu, the Estonian National Opera and more. The performances, which will be attended by Austrian Ambassador Dr. Jakub Forst-Battaglia, include the sacred music, operas, symphonies and chamber works of Mozart.
"The 250th anniversary of the brilliant composer, musician and a well-traveled persona of the Enlightenment offers us, Austrians, as well as all Europeans and admirers of his music, a welcome opportunity to dwell on Mozart's life and production in a more detailed manner than ever before," the ambassador said. "The concerts, festivals, exhibitions, symposia and publications express a keen interest, which is the best proof of the eternity of Mozart's music."
Mozart died at the early age of 35, yet his music will live on for centuries. His compositions have bridged not only Europe, but the entire world in harmony.
"It is in the love of nature and music that Austrians and Estonians are so similar," Forst-Battaglia continued. "Born in Salzburg and having died in Vienna, Mozart was a leading Austrian and European cultural figure during his lifetime. I wish much joy to all our Estonian friends from the music of my famous compatriot."
The festival will include operas by Mozart, such as "The Magic Flute" and "Don Giovanni," church concertos, performances from international guests like the Korean Chamber Orchestra, piano concerts and more. The festival comes to a peak on Jan. 27, when the Estonian Concert Hall holds Mozart's gala concert. On this splendid night, marking the virtuoso's birthday, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and National Symphony Orchestra will come together with pianist Kalle Randalu and Conductor Paul Hillier to pay homage to one of Europe's most beautiful minds. o
Mozart 250
Jan. 19 - 27
For full program: http://www.mozart250.ee
