Lech Classic Festival Closes with Triumphant Performances of Haydn & Beethoven
Lech, Austria – August 2025 – The 13th Lech Classic Festival concluded this week with a series of captivating performances, showcasing the talents of conductor Tetsuro Ban and trumpeter Johannes Moritz, alongside masterful interpretations of Haydn and Beethoven. The festival, known for its stunning alpine setting and high-caliber musicianship, delivered a memorable experience for attendees.
The festival’s penultimate evening featured Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in G major, often nicknamed the “Surprise” Symphony. Under the direction of Tetsuro Ban, the performance highlighted the work’s inventive spirit and energetic melodies. A notable characteristic of Ban’s interpretation was the dynamic contrast, particularly in the Andante movement, where subtle pianissimo passages were dramatically punctuated by forceful interjections from the wind section, creating a palpable sense of tension. The third movement was described as particularly lively and spirited, with Ban himself visibly enjoying the music’s buoyant energy.The performance emphasized clarity and nimble phrasing, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the powerful crescendos, all delivered with a vibrant and dynamic approach.
Following the symphony, trumpeter johannes Moritz took center stage for Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major – the composer’s final solo concerto.Moritz, lauded for his technical skill and expressive playing, delivered a performance characterized by both power and delicacy. His artistry shone through in the nuanced interplay between gentle tones and forceful outbursts, showcasing a mastery of the instrument.Moritz’s notable career already includes a performance of Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Riccardo muti at the age of 18, demonstrating a precocious talent. Throughout the concerto’s three movements, clarity, lightness, and ingenuity were hallmarks of his interpretation, fostering a celebratory and uplifting atmosphere.
the festival culminated with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphony No. 6 in F major, the “Pastoral” Symphony. The orchestra beautifully captured the symphony’s evocative depiction of nature, from the joyful awakening of spring in the first movement to the dramatic intensity of the thunderstorm in the fourth. The performance highlighted the fluidity of the string section and the expressive capabilities of the wind players, creating a vivid soundscape. Subtle details,such as the depiction of a gentle brook and the calls of birds (rendered by flute and oboe),were particularly effective in transporting the audience to the natural world. The storm sequence was powerfully realized,with rumbling bass tremolos,cascading violin figures representing raindrops,and a full orchestral outburst conveying the storm’s fury.The symphony concluded with a radiant depiction of sunshine following the storm, inspiring a sense of gratitude and joy.
Looking ahead, the Lech Classic Festival has announced that next year’s program will focus on the works of Gioachino Rossini, including a full opera performance of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” featuring a strong ensemble and returning festival favorites.
Susanne Lukas
