Blog Post

Following the Fellowship Fundraiser dinner at 5:45 pm, this program led by Alex Anderson, will focus on the transcendental music of Mozart and its place in an age of reason and revolution. Mozart's remarkable life spanned the American Revolution, the Bill of Rights, and the French Revolution; this turbulent period of history is reflected in his music, especially the operas. This course will examine Mozart's musical language, his remarkable life, and why the film and play, Amadeus, is historical fiction. Live performances with supplemental historic recordings. Featured works: I. Music composed in 1776. II. Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, 1788. III. Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491; Excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, 1786. IV. Excerpts from Don Giovanni, K. 527, 1787. This graphic portrayal of sexual depravity, murder, self-destruction and social injustice transformed opera forever. First performed in Prague, where Mozart felt his music was most fully appreciated. Bonus (date TBD): Opera screening at 104 Tanglewood Lane, Carrboro - "Don Giovanni" from the Salzburg Festival. Herbert von Karajan conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, with American bass Samuel Ramey, in the title role.