(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- On October 5, 2024, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its acclaimed music director Charles Prince, presents its season opening concert - "Brahms and Mozart" featuring two titans of the symphonic literature in works less frequently heard. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Johannes Brahm’s Piano Quartet No.1, in G Minor, Op. 25 was premiered in 1861. Arnold Schoenberg, a devotee of the music of Brahms, orchestrated the work in 1937 for large orchestra. The Allegro develops through five distinct themes interwoven in endless variation. The second movement Intermezzo employs a gentler musical form from the expected scherzo or minuet. The third movement contrasts a slow, lyric theme with a little march that Schoenberg expands into full military pomp with brass and percussion. The finale, Rondo alla Zingarese, evokes gypsy music that was popular in European music from the mid-18th century to the early 20th.

In 1783, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425, “Linz” during a brief stay in Linz, Austria, on the way back from Salzburg to Vienna with his new bride. For the first time in his symphonic works, he begins the symphony with an Adagio introduction followed by an Allegro Spiritoso. The slow second movement has a siciliano, songful character. The third movement Minuetto includes a Trio reflecting the popular Austrian dance, the Ländler.  The brilliant Finale, marked Presto, sparkles with melody, energy, and speed.

You will not want to miss this opportunity to hear a unique version of the Brahm’s chamber piece and Mozart’s symphonic gem, composed in just a few days. Tickets for this and their entire season are available for purchase online. Concerts are held at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, 716 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield, New Jersey.

The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is operated for educational and charitable purposes by the Plainfield Symphony Society, Inc. The Society’s mission is to prepare and present musical programs; stimulate interest in symphonic music in the central New Jersey area; provide educational opportunities through youth and family-oriented concerts and other educational opportunities; and provide a forum in which talented non-professional musicians can perform in an orchestral setting.