Debut

Concert Program Notes:

W. A. Mozart: Divertimento in D Major, K. 136 - Vincy Wong, violin

Mozart wrote the Divertimento in D major, K. 136, in the winter of 1772 during his stay in Salzburg. He was only sixteen at the time and was busy working on his big opera Lucio Silla for Milan’s 1773 carnival season. Composing this Divertimento—one of three he wrote that winter—was likely a creative outlet from his more serious work.

Divertimentos were light, entertaining pieces that were often played outdoors or at social events. Mozart likely wrote this one for private concerts in the homes of Salzburg’s upper-class families, where he often performed on both violin and keyboard. The title “Divertimento” on the original manuscript wasn’t even in Mozart’s handwriting, and since he didn’t write letters at home, we don’t know many details about these pieces.

The D major Divertimento has three movements, following a fast-slow-fast pattern, similar to an Italian symphony. The opening Allegro is lively and playful, built around a quick descending scale. The Andante is gentle and graceful, and the spirited Presto finale is bright and energetic, ending the piece on a joyful note.

Benjamin Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4 - Sean Wang, violin

Benjamin Britten composed the Simple Symphony between 1933 and 1934 when he was around twenty years old. The piece is based on eight themes that Britten had written between the ages of nine and twelve, and he reused these early melodies but developed them into a more polished and structured work. The symphony is written for string orchestra or for an extremely talented string quartet and is divided into four short movements, each with a distinct mood and character.

The first movement, Boisterous Bourrée, is energetic and rhythmic, showing influences of Baroque dance styles but with Britten’s modern touch. The second movement, Playful Pizzicato, is performed entirely by plucking strings, giving it a light, bouncing texture and unique texture that sounds almost like a musical game. The third movement, Sentimental Sarabande, slows down and becomes more lyrical, expressing a reflective and emotional tone. The fourth movement, Frolicsome Finale, returns to a fast and cheerful tempo, ending the symphony in a bright and spirited way.

Even though Britten called it Simple Symphony, the piece shows his strong sense of form, harmony, and orchestration. It demonstrates how he could take simple childhood ideas and turn them into music that is both well-crafted and enjoyable to play and listen to.

Pictures coming soon...