Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

July 21, 2009

All Mozart Concert

Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
www.bso.org
July 19, 2009
by Debra Tinkham

The George William and Florence Newsome Adams Concert Endowed in Perpetuity performance featured James Levin conducting this "All-Mozart" program of Symphony No. 39 in E flat, K.543; Symphony No. 40 in G minor, k. 550; and Symphony No. 41 in C, k. 551, "Jupiter." It is difficult to believe that young Mozart, who died at the age of 35, wrote these last three incredibly complicated masterpieces in less than three months, and it is historically questionable if they were ever performed during the remaining three years of his life.

All three symphonies, in four movements each, were beautifully enjoyed by the large throng of Tanglewoodians enjoying yet another sunny, warm Berkshire Sunday afternoon. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail were a part of today's venue, but what was a hinderance was the massive amounts of unwelcome decibels - children crying, people talking loudly - and at one point, a golf cart that took a wrong turn? The concessionaires were loading/throwing inventory to the point of distraction. Tanglewood is for good music and peace and quiet. Perhaps additional security is needed to babysit the inconsiderate souls who choose to talk their way through some of the world's most beautiful music.

Mozart's last three symphonies are brilliant, challenging, diversified. Even the most learned historian of music would need decades to analyze and fully appreciate the talent of one fine, young artist know as W.A. Mozart.