04/09/2010

In today’s concert from the 2010 BBC Proms we’ll be hearing works that were commissioned to celebrate the lives of two eminent men.

Mozart’s energetic Symphony no 35 in D major is known as the ‘Haffner’ Symphony and was written to mark the ennoblement of the Austrian Sigmund Haffner. The symphony has been described as one of his most brilliant and it’s a real testament to the time when he was able to finally establish himself in Vienna.

Edvard Grieg’s beautiful Holberg Suite was composed to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of the 17th century Norwegian dramatist Ludvig Holberg. Using old French dances to span the centuries, it’s an interesting departure from his other popular works.

Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner”
Grieg: Holberg Suite
Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Isabelle van Keulen: leader/director (pictured above)
The Prom is presented by Andrew McGregor with his guest, Irene Garland.