Program Notes: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21

Enjoy Siegfried’s Rhine Journey, a digestible nugget from Wagner’s massive Ring of the Nibelung. This arrangement by Engelbert Humperdinck preserves the work’s atmosphere, the awakening at dawn and the love themes of Brünnhilde and Siegfried. In Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, this stellar work stands out for its iridescent andante in F major, arguably one of the composer’s most captivating creations. The program ends with Shostakovich’s final symphony, No. 15. In contrast to his often dour personality, Shostakovich’s sense of humor shines through in the first movement with quotes from Rossini’s William Tell Overture.

 This episode includes music excerpts to illustrate each work.

Masterworks 5 of the 25/26 Season
Performances January 9-11, 2026