Mozart in Minor Key

Most of Mozart’s works are in major keys, but a few minor works contain all the melodies of human disappointment, sorrow, and consolation. After the concert, the third Piano Classics after-party of the season will be held in Tapiola Hall.

Matthew Halls, conductor
Kristian Bezuidenhout, piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture to the opera Don Giovanni KV527
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto no. 24 in C minor KV491
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony no. 40 in G minor KV550

Out of Mozart’s 41 numbered Symphonies, only two are in a minor key. Similarly, only two of his 27 Piano Concertos are in a minor key. While the vast majority of his music is in a major key, his rare minor-key works embody the full range of human disappointment, sorrow and consolation. The orchestral introduction to the opera Don Giovanni depicts both the seducer’s lust for life and his ultimate demise.

The melancholy Piano Concerto in C minor was written in one of the happiest times in Mozart’s life and speaks more to his empathy than to personal adversities. Similarly, Symphony no. 40 should not be seen as a harbinger of the composer’s untimely death but rather as a sympathetic commentary on human sorrows in general. These heartfelt essays are presented by Matthew Halls, conductor of the Tampere Philharmonic, and fortepiano virtuoso Kristian Bezuidenhout, whom we met in the autumn.

Yle will record the concert, and it will be available to listen to on March 27.

Pre-concert talk 18:10–18:30.

TS & PianoEspoo: Piano Classics

After-party in Tapiola Hall following the concert.

Valeria Resjan, piano

Tapiola Sinfonietta and the PianoEspoo Festival are launching a series of piano classics. During the 2025–2026 season, three orchestra concerts will be followed by after-parties featuring piano classics from different eras performed by Finland’s most internationally sought-after piano soloists. The Piano Classics are included in the price of the evening concert ticket and are approximately 30-45 minutes long. The after-parties will begin as soon as possible after the end of the orchestra concert, and the foyer bar will be open during the intermission.

Tickets 10–35€ + subscription fees (starting at €1.50 + 0.65% of the total amount of the order www.lippu.fi)