Mozart's liberation

In an age where individual expression takes center stage, it is easy to forget that for centuries music was almost exclusively commissioned by princes, churches or other patrons. When Mozart wrote his Piano Concerto No. 20 in 1785, it must have been an act of liberation for him to be able to write without a specific commission. Even for audiences at the time, Mozart's "free" compositions were a radiant revelation: music that sounds more truthful than ever before - the intimate Romance in particular seems like a confidential confession that whispers directly into the ear. Joseph Haydn's "London" symphonies also capture this spirit of the late 18th century: without losing themselves in such personal expression, they reflect the age characterized by the ideals of the Enlightenment and always make the urge for freedom and inspiration palpable. The "Oxford" Symphony was composed at a time when Haydn was severing the last ties to his service as court musician, bandmaster and composer in the service of the Esterházy princes at Eisenstadt Palace. The triumphant premiere took place during his first trip to England, which was also crowned with an honorary doctorate from Oxford University.

Date and time
July 25, 2025, 19:30

Address
Church Saanen

Organizer
Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy

Works
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Music for the play "Thamos, King of Egypt" KV 345/336a 20' Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor KV 466 35' Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Symphony No. 92 in G major "Oxford"

Soloists
Alexandra Dovgan, piano winner of the Olivier Berggruen Prize 2023 Basel Chamber Orchestra Bar Avni, conductor

Admission price
CHF 130 / 110 / 70 / 40

Contact us
+41 33 748 81 82

Website
https://www.gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch/de/programm-and-tickets/programm-2025