Have you heard of “The Mozart Effect”? In a nutshell, it’s a theory whereby you become smarter by listening to Mozart’s music. While this theory has had some criticism, there is enough evidence to suggest that listening to classical music, particularly Mozart’s, can have beneficial effects on learning and memory.
It was great, therefore, to receive an invitation to attend a classical music concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields, in London Trafalgar Square, from Amazon Local.
The programme featured:
- Mozart’s Divertimento in D
- Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 7
- Bach’s Violin Concerto in A Minor
- CPE Bach’s String Symphony No.2 in B Flat
- Bach’s Air ‘on the G string’
- Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
I have lived in London for twenty years and I had always wanted to go to St Martin’s candlelight concerts. A few years ago I went to one of St Martin’s lunchtime concerts, which was excellent, but the atmosphere in the evening is on another level entirely.
Everybody was so silent, and the acoustics in the church are perfect. The flickering lights from the candles created a sense of stillness and magic.
Music was performed by the chamber ensemble London Concertante, founded in 1991.
Cellist Chris Grist was “compere” of the evening, sharing some background about the composers and their music. He reminded the audience that listening to classical music makes us smarter, and therefore to pay special attention to the performance to gain maximum benefits for our brains!
My favourite piece from the concert was Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, a very recognisable piece of music that is often used commercially.
Unplanned pieces included an encore featuring a Hungarian Polka and the beautiful Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla.
A fantastic evening of fabulous music and brain stimulation.