Summer Classics concert series at Riga Cathedral
Concert BACH. MOZART. DE MEIJ
on August 26 at 7 PM
This summer, Orchestra “Riga” once again invites classical music lovers to the heart of Riga Old Town for the Summer Classics concert series taking place at the historic Riga Cathedral – one of the most majestic and acoustically rich sacred venues in Latvia. Led by conductor Guntis Kuzma, the concert offers a colorful musical journey spanning three centuries — from the Baroque to the present day.
J. S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in B-flat major (BWV 596), here in a wind orchestra arrangement by R. L. Moehlmann. This piece is, in fact, Bach’s organ transcription of Vivaldi’s Concerto in D minor (RV 565), an inspiring example of Baroque-era musical exchange and admiration. Organist Kristīne Adamaite will also perform Prelude and Fugue in C minor (BWV 546), known for its grand, noble prelude and complex fugue. W. A. Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major (KV 191), written at the young age of 18, showcases the instrument’s lyrical and agile nature, interpreted by soloist Raimonds Gulbis. Two of Mozart’s rarely heard organ works — the lively Leipzig Gigue and the delicate Andante in F major, originally composed for mechanical organ — reveal the composer’s refined expression in miniature form. Concluding the evening are Johan de Meij’s symphonic works The Red Tower and Echoes of San Marco — contemporary soundscapes inspired by history and architecture.
PROGRAM
J. S. Bach / arr. R. L. Moehlmann – Prelude and Fugue in B-flat major, BWV 560
J. S. Bach – Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 546
W. A. Mozart / trans. M. Koninkx – Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, KV 191
W. A. Mozart – “Leipzig Gigue,” Eine kleine Gigue, K. 574
W. A. Mozart – Andante in F major, K. 616
Johan de Meij – The Red Tower
Johan de Meij – Echoes of San Marco
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