Discover classical music: Experience Mysliveček and Mozart in Potsdam!

Discover classical music: Experience Mysliveček and Mozart in Potsdam!

The musical legacy of the Czech composer Josef Mysliveček (1737–1781) will be alive in the upcoming performance of the Potsdam Chamber Academy. Under the direction of Václav Luks, the violin concerto D major, interpreted by the Dutch soloist Liza Ferschtman, is presented in the historic Peace Church in Potsdam. [Concerti] reports that this journey of discovery not only encompasses Mysliveček's work, but also the seventh symphony by the Prague composer Johann Wenzel Wenzel Kalliwoda and the F major overture by Jan Dismas Zelenka. The concert promises a fascinating journey through time through the sounds of the late baroque and classical.

But who was the man behind the music? Josef Mysliveček was a gifted composer who celebrated great success in Italy and was known there as a "IL Boemo". Born in Prague as the son of a wealthy mill owner, he was able to pursue his passion for music thanks to his privileged origin. His first steps into the music world began at his family's mill, where he dealt with violin and composition in his free time. In 1763 he moved to Venice, in mind, to force his musical career. [Czechology] clarifies that his first great success with the cantata "Il Paraso Confuso" was a milestone.

a friend of the great masters

mysliveček was not only an excellent composer, he was also an estimated mentor for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The two musicians met in Bologna in 1770 and developed a close friendship that lasted up to Mysliveček's death. [Wikipedia] emphasizes that Mysliveček Mozart provided many compositional models that shaped its own career. This familiarity ensured mutual admiration, even if the relationship in 1778 was slightly cloudy due to an unfulfilled promise with regard to an opera.

Unfortunately, Mysliveček's significant work was forgotten after his death. Despite his successful career and the numerous compositions, including about thirty operas as well as numerous symphonies and concerts, his inheritance remained in the shade of larger colleagues for a long time. His operational masterpieces, such as "Bellerofontés" and "Armida", experienced great response after their debut, but fate wanted it differently. Ultimately, Mysliveček died in Rome and forgotten in 1781, buried in the church of San Lorenzo in Lucina.

A new look at "Il Divino Boemo"

It was only in recent years that the life and work of MySliveček has come back to the public. [Czechology] mentions that the legend "Il Divino Boemo" from the late 19th century, shaped by the writer Jakub Arbes, led to the rediscovery of his work. In 2015 a documentary and in 2022 the Czech-Italian film "Il Boemo" was produced, which dealt with his life and his work. Mysliveček's compositions are not only musically exciting, but also remarkable in their emotional depth and melodic invention.

The upcoming performance in Potsdam is a great opportunity to experience the sounds of a composer who played an important role in the music world of the 18th century, but is only known to a few today. Let yourself be enchanted by the Musik Mysliveček and discover the fascination of the "Boemo", which at the time enjoyed respect in Italy and may now find new splendor.