J.S. Bach – Ricercar a Six, Haydn – Harpsichord Concerto in D major, and Beethoven – Symphony No. 1 in C major

Monday evening’s program offers a rich tapestry of musical voices, presenting works by Bach, Haydn, and Beethoven that explore the art of innovation and transformation. The evening begins with Bach’s Ricercar a 6, a masterpiece of contrapuntal writing from The Musical Offering. This intricate work, built on a single theme, reveals the endless possibilities of variation and interplay between voices. Together, the voices form a cohesive texture that creates richness and complexity in the music.

The program continues with Haydn’s Harpsichord Concerto in D Major, H. XVIII:11, one of his most celebrated keyboard concertos. While Haydn’s Harpsichord Concerto in D Major is often performed on the pianoforte today, the festival will feature a harpsichord for this performance, allowing audiences to experience the piece as it was originally conceived.

Finishing the evening is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major. Written early in his career, the symphony pays homage to Classical traditions while signaling the bold, dynamic voice that would define Beethoven’s later works.

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Program

BACH, J.S. Ricercar a 6 from The Musical Offering BWV 1079

HAYDN Harpsichord Concerto in D major, H. XVIII:11

I. Vivace
II. Un poco adagio
III. Rondo all’ungherese: Allegro assai

INTERMISSION

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21

I. Adagio molto—Allegro con brio
II. Andante cantabile con moto
III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
IV. Finale: Adagio—Allegro molto e vivace