Mozart was eight years old in 1764 when he wrote his first symphony and was 32 in 1788 when he wrote his last, three years before his death. Depending on the catalogue system used, his works in this genre number between 41 and 68. The piece with Köchel catalogue number 388 to be heard here is one of his most mature, as it is only followed by six works of a similar genre. Its inventiveness and refinement bears testament to this. The Magic Flute, which is at once fairy tale and mystical, and Don Giovanni, which presents the demon of seduction, are also later works that belong among the most mature in their genre. Robert Schumann was 36 years old on 19 October 1846 when he completed his Symphony No. 2. With its many dramatic elements, the triumphant energy it exudes and its rich sound, his four-movement opus was a turning point in the composer's creative method: Until then, he had composed at the piano, now he switched to relying on his internal ear and writing the music in his head.
As one of the world's most famous oboists, the French artist François Leleux was only 19 when he was named principle oboe at the Paris Opera. A celebrated artist, he is also a member of the star-studded Les Vents Français wind quintet and an internationally renowned conductor.

Presented by: Hungarian National Philharmonic