Matthias Achleitner & OÖ Philharmonie invite you to the gala concert: Power of Destiny

The UPPER AUSTRIA PHILHARMONIC invites you to the gala concert "Power of Destiny." The concert begins with the 1st March from Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," which is often associated with royal ceremonies as well as life-changing moments and transformations, allowing us to reflect on the countless positive impacts of fate. We then turn our attention to one of the most fateful operatic characters of all time, Georges Bizet's "Carmen" – featuring the most beloved melodies: from the Prelude and Intermezzo to the world-famous Habanera and the Toreador Song. Another association with fate is represented by the devil, and Joseph Hellmesberger Jr. has found an incredibly impressive musical language in his furious "Danse Diabolique." The crowning conclusion of the first half of the concert will be the overture to Giuseppe Verdi's "La forza del destino." With restless, very fast string figures, melancholic woodwind melodies, and powerful brass chorales, this overture impressively musically depicts the power of fate with great variety.

The highlight of the concert awaits in the second half with Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony in E minor. In this monumental work, the composer grapples with the questions of fate and faith, which is why it is often referred to as the "Fate Symphony." The four movements are interwoven with a common leading theme – the "Fate motif." The first movement begins with this very motif out of nowhere – complete dejection and doubt form the basic mood of this movement. The second movement features perhaps the most touching horn solo in music history, described by Tchaikovsky as a "ray of light." Several outbursts of the highest passion are ultimately cruelly interrupted by the Fate motif. Even at the end of the carefree 3rd movement – a slow waltz – that motif is heard again. In the finale, the Fate motif now appears transformed; it is no longer dejected but majestic, in major instead of minor. After the rapid main section, which is finally determined and confident of victory, the motif sounds one last time as a bombastic triumphal march, and in a swirling frenzy, Tchaikovsky concludes his masterpiece.

Program:
Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1, Op. 39 - Edward Elgar
Excerpts from the opera Carmen - Georges Bizet
Danse Diabolique ("Devil's Dance") - Joseph Hellmesberger Jr.
Overture to La forza del destino ("The Power of Destiny") - Giuseppe Verdi
Intermission
5th Symphony in E minor, Op. 64 - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• I: Andante – Allegro con anima
• II: Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza
• III: Waltz. Allegro moderato
• IV: Finale. Andante maestoso – Allegro vivace