Musica Nova March Concert

Musica Nova’s next concert takes place All Saints' Church in Cheadle Hulme on Saturday 14th March.

The concert features a Suite from The Creatures of Prometheus by Beethoven and the Symphony No. 1 by Emilie Mayer.

Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus remains one of his most vibrant and overlooked theatrical works - a ballet score brimming with youthful energy, wit, and invention. This specially curated suite draws together its most expressive and dramatic moments, showcasing Beethoven at his most colourful and characterful.

Written in 1801, the music traces the mythic tale of Prometheus breathing life and inspiration into humankind. Beethoven paints this journey with sparkling overtures, lyrical interludes, and bold, heroic themes that hint at the revolutionary voice he would soon unleash in his middle period. The suite culminates in the famous finale built on a theme later immortalised in the Eroica Symphony. Radiant, rhythmic, and packed with theatrical flair, this suite offers a thrilling glimpse into Beethoven’s only full-length ballet and a joyful celebration of human creativity itself.

Premiered in 1847, Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor stands as a bold statement from a composer who is only now receiving the contemporary recognition she deserves. Often called the "Female Beethoven," Mayer composed eight symphonies and numerous chamber works, piano sonatas, and orchestral overtures. Despite the limited opportunities for women in professional music during her time, she achieved wide recognition and public performance of her music across Germany. In the 21st century, her work has been rediscovered and celebrated for its craftsmanship, originality, and contribution to the Romantic repertoire.

Structured in four movements, the Symphony No. 1 reveals Mayer’s command of form, orchestral colour, and emotional contrast. With its darkly lyrical themes, taut rhythmic energy, and dramatic climaxes, the symphony reflects both her rigorous training with composer Carl Loewe and her distinctive expressive voice - at once intense, refined, and unmistakably individual.