There was a time when the appearance of the resident conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at a home program would equate to a sold-out house. That has only changed slightly. On Thursday night’s Muti, Chen and Mozart program that opened with Haydn’s Symphony No. 89 in F Major, the number of empty seats was not disconcerting.
Although Haydn was 24 years Mozart’s senior, the two composers formed a strong friendship and one that fostered a great deal of creative exchange. The evening’s selections may have been chosen to highlight both the similarities as well as the differences of the two revered composers.
Haydn’s symphony No. 89 contains many of the structural hallmarks you associate with the composer. Broken up in the customary four parts, there’s a distinguishing formality and elegance that are so typical of Haydn’s work. Under Muti’s direction, the lush richness of the melody could be thoroughly appreciated.
Rightly considered the prolific innovator, Mozart’s sinfonia concertante in E-flat major, K 364 showcases his ability to incorporate the unexpected to enhance the beauty of a composition. Featuring solos for both violin and viola, he highlights the unique color each instrument uses to shade music.
CSO concertmaster Robert Chen’s exceptional playing was well matched by violist Paul Neubauer’s exquisite musicality.
Mozart was only 35 when he died of an unknown illness in 1791. That may explain the ever-present sense of youth found in so much of his work. That air of vitality filled Symphony No. 36 in C Major, K. 425, the final piece of the concert. A hectic performance schedule and myriad career obligations caused him to write the commissioned piece hastily. The final result reflects no hint of a rushed creation. Exuberant, delicate and masterful, it energized an evening already replete in beautiful music. The orchestra, under conductor Muti’s baton, made sure it shone in full luster.