Ensemble Dimanche 93rd Concert

　This year's program features works by composers from a wide variety of countries: Italy, Spain, and Germany. At first glance, the program may seem unconnected, but there are surprising similarities between the three composers and this year's program.
　Italian composer Rossini (1792-1868) moved to Paris in 1823 (at the age of 31) and remained there until 1836. Spanish composer Arriaga (1806-1826) studied at the Paris Conservatory in 1821 (at age 15) and lived there until his death in 1826. The German composer Mendelssohn (1809-1847) accompanied his father to Paris in 1825 (at the age of 16) and is said to have been recognized by Cherubini and Rossini for his talent. Mendelssohn had already completed several operas and his first symphony at this time. Cherubini was an Italian-born opera composer, and naturally he was acquainted with Rossini, who was the music director of the Teatro Italiano in Paris, as well as the director of the Paris Conservatory and a mentor of Arriaga, who was studying there. In other words, it is possible that these three men stayed in Paris at the same time and were acquainted with each other through Cherubini.
　There are also similarities among the three works we will be performing. One is that each composer wrote his works when he was young, around 20 years old. Arriaga's symphony was written at the age of 18, while Rossini's overture and Mendelssohn's symphony were written when each was 21. Another is that they begin with a bright overture in a major key, which turns to a dark minor as it enters the main part. Rossini's is from E major to E minor, and the first movements of both Arriaga and Mendelssohn turn from D major to D minor. It is rare for a piece to transition from a major-key introduction to a minor-key main part, and it is almost a miracle that all of the pieces in a single concert are consistent with this concept.

More about each piece

◆Overture to the opera "Aureliano of Palmyra" - actually a famous overture
◆The only symphony written by "Mozart in Spain
The only symphony with hymn quotations written by Luther

For more information about the Ensemble Dimanche, please visit its official website at http://www.e-dimanche.jp/.