Born 210 years ago,
Emilie Mayer (1812-1883), who was the most outstanding composer from Szczecin, will be the protagonist of the next symphonic evening at the Philharmonic. Known as "Beethoven in a skirt", she was associated with Szczecin all her life. It was here that she took her first steps as a composer under the watchful eye of
Carl Loewe. Although she lived permanently in Berlin, she returned to our city regularly, often for more extended periods.
Having studied composition at a relatively late age (28) and being a single, unmarried woman, Mayer realized she was going on a rough path. However, her extraordinary talent combined with determination and strength of character brought her European fame. Her music was favourably received by critics and audiences, and performed in Berlin, Munich, Lyon, Brussels and Vienna. Mayer has left an impressive legacy of eight symphonies, a piano concerto, fifteen overtures, an opera, and numerous chamber works. Despite the high quality of the music she created, her compositions were forgotten after her death. Today, they are known only to a small group of specialists. We decided not only to make them heard again by the world but also to make them sound again in Szczecin and for the inhabitants of Szczecin.
We will start the evening according to the operatic order, i.e. the overture. We chose
Overture No. 2 in D major – one of the most beautiful in the composer's oeuvre. Then we will hear the wonderful and only
Piano Concerto in B major written by Mayer. The piece is based on a classical three-movement structure but is also inspired by romantic music. The audience's attention will indeed be drawn to the virtuoso solo part of the piano, and it will be performed on our stage by the outstanding Lithuanian pianist
Neringa Valuntonyte. The artist gives concerts all over Europe and is known for the fact that, in addition to the classic classical repertoire, she eagerly reaches for the works of less known, less frequently played, and even wholly forgotten composers ...
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The evening will end with
Symphony No. 4 in B minor, the only one published in print during the composer's lifetime, transcribed for piano. Even though today, musicologists do not spare compliments for symphonic music written by Mayer, appreciating its artistry and originality, during the composer's lifetime, none of the renowned publishers, either in Berlin or in Leipzig, showed any interest in publishing her orchestral works. As a result, most of them do not appear in print until today.
It will be an excellent return for Emilie Mayer to Szczecin. On this unique and historic evening, the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by
Maestra Maria Anna Sydor ...
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