Beethoven and more 2011 podcast #36: The old master's cheer
October 14, 2011
Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob. I:104
National Youth Orchestra Iraq
Members of the German National Youth Orchestra
Conductor: Paul MacAlindin
MP3 recorded on October 1, 2011 in the Beethoven Hall Bonn by Deutsche Welle (DW)
For decades Joseph Haydn worked in the remote Hungarian provinces. In late 1790, age 58, he traveled to London for the first time, celebrated like a superstar and called "The Shakespeare of Music." When Mozart voiced concerns about Haydn non-command of the English language, he replied: "My language is understood the world over."
How fitting those words seem when hearing the old master's last symphony in the young hands of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq - making clear more than ever before that music can overcome legal, physical, ideological and religious boundaries.
Born in Scotland and living in the German city of Cologne, conductor Paul MacAlindin first heard about the planned founding of an Iraqi youth symphony orchestra in 2008. He contacted the British Council and offered his assistance. In 2009 he became the orchestra's conductor. Since then he has conducted Iraqi and Western music in concert in Iraq.
Author: Rick Fulker
Editor: Suzanne Cords