October 1, 2024

The Philadelphia Orchestra was in the middle of a Bruckner symphony when — ring, ring — someone’s phone went off. Yannick Nézet-Séguin had to stop everything and start over. He tried to stay calm, but at this point, he was probably wondering if the only way to silence phones was to make them atonal.

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In this week’s email:

The big idea: Lost work by Mozart resurfaces in German library
Making news: Canadian pianist wins big at Leeds
Talking points: Mayor of Boston performs Rhapsody in Blue with the Boston Pops
Laugh of the week

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

Weekly selections are based on sales numbers and albums we simply love and think you NEED to hear!

For the complete top 20, tune into Classical Chartz with the New Classical FM’s Mark Wigmore every Saturday from 3-5 pm EST!

THE BIG IDEA

Lost Work by Mozart Resurfaces in German Library

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s catalogue of compositions just gained a surprising new addition. Researchers at the Leipzig Municipal Libraries have unearthed a previously unknown work written during his teenage years. The piece, a 12-minute string trio titled Ganz kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), consists of seven miniature movements in C major, composed for two violins and a bass.

Köchel Catalogue Update Brings New Discovery

The discovery was made while researchers compiled a new edition of the Köchel catalogue, the comprehensive index of Mozart’s works that has been in circulation for over 160 years. Though not penned in Mozart’s hand, experts believe the transcription — written in dark brown ink on handmade paper — dates back to around 1780. The manuscript is thought to have been preserved by Mozart’s sister as a personal keepsake.

A Glimpse into Mozart’s Early Genius

What makes this find especially significant is the glimpse it provides into Mozart’s early experiments with chamber music. Until now, the young composer was chiefly recognized for his keyboard works, operas, and symphonies. Ganz kleine Nachtmusik was likely written in the mid-to-late 1760s, around the time Mozart completed his first symphony at age eight and before his first trip to Italy. This new piece showcases the prodigy’s early genius beyond the more familiar arias and symphonies.

Reviving a Long-Lost Masterpiece

Ulrich Leisinger, head of research at the International Mozarteum Foundation, speculates that the trio may have been a composition written for his sister, possibly for her name day.

Ganz kleine Nachtmusik will be performed for the first time in centuries at the Leipzig Opera next week. — MV

TOUR DE HEADLINES

Ophélie Gaillard (Photo: courtesy of artist)

French Cellist Issues Plea After Rare €1.3 Million Cello is Stolen in Home Burglary — French cellist Ophélie Gaillard has issued an urgent plea after her rare 300-year-old cello, valued at €1.3 million, was stolen from her home for the second time in a burglary. | Classical FM

San Francisco Symphony Chorus Holds Three-Day Strike, Forcing Cancellation of Season Opener — The San Francisco Symphony Chorus went on a three-day strike, forcing the cancellation of the orchestra's season opener after paid choristers, representing a small fraction of the chorus, unanimously rejected budget cuts proposed by management that would reduce their funding by 80 percent. | WSWS

Musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra Finalize New Contract — The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has reached a new 18-month contract agreement with The Kennedy Center, ending a brief strike and securing a 4% wage increase each year, improved healthcare benefits, paid parental leave, and updates to hiring processes, with negotiations set to resume in 2026. | Violin Channel

Saturday Night’s Philadelphia Orchestra Bruckner Bliss Was Interrupted by a Cell Phone. Again. — During Saturday night’s performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7, a ringing cell phone interrupted the Philadelphia Orchestra, prompting conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin to pause and remind the audience to silence their devices. At intermission, he was awarded the Kilenyi Bruckner Medal of Honor for his dedication to the composer. | Philadelphia Enquirer

MAKING NEWS

Pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko (Photo courtesy of the artist)

Canadian Pianist Wins Big at Leeds

Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, a rising star from British Columbia, just secured first place at the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition, one of the world’s most fiercely competitive classical music events. His performance of Brahms’ Concerto No. 2 wowed both the judges and the audience, earning him the grand prize of £25,000 (~$54,000 CAD), a management deal, and recital opportunities with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and other top-tier venues across Europe.

What makes him special: At just 23 years old, Jaeden’s victory at Leeds cements his status as one of Canada’s brightest young talents. This isn’t his first accolade, either — he’s already collected awards from the Montreal International Music Competition and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, among others.

With elite training from Juilliard and the University of British Columbia, Jaeden’s career trajectory is sky-high. His Leeds win will open doors to future international performances and collaborations, placing him alongside the greats of classical music. But it's not just about the prizes and performances—Jaeden's artistry and emotional depth have earned him a devoted fanbase, eager to see where his career takes him next.

If you missed his stunning winning performance, don't worry—there’s a good chance this virtuoso will be headlining concert halls worldwide soon. Keep an eye out for a tour date near you. — MV

TALKING POINTS

David Geffen Hall (Photo: Ajay Suresh/Wikipedia)

Mayor of Boston Performs Rhapsody in Blue with the Boston Pops

Elected in 2021, Michelle Wu is the first woman and person of colour to serve as mayor of Boston. On September 21st, she performed as piano soloist with the city’s legendary Boston Pops.

What’s happening: On September 21st, the Hon. Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, performed the piano solo in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Boston Pops as part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Concert for the City. It was Mayor Wu’s second time performing at the annual free orchestral concert. In 2023, she performed the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. Her Gershwin performance was conducted by BSO conductor Keith Lockhart.

Some context: While in recent years, enthusiasm for classical music has become unusual amongst politicians, Wu’s proclivity is not without precedent. Sir Edward Heath, Prime Minister of England from 1970-1974, frequently guest conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and once performed Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos with German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

In the mood for more? Catch former US President Harry Truman playing a bit of Mozart and Richard Nixon playing his own piano concerto, as well as former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice playing the Beethoven Spring Sonata arranged for two pianos (quite skillfully, we might add). And let’s not forget who invented the glass harmonica that features prominently in Lucia di Lammermoor’s mad scene - none other than Benjamin Franklin. — SS

GAMES

Nothing says Monday like a mini-crossword .

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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