Quite different from Haydn's contemplation in "La Reine," this is a patriotic piece, with some nuances of the Marseillaise that give it a distinct revolutionary sound. Very fast and active in different occasions, the piece promises new times for its listeners, times of social justice and equality. At the same time, we can almost here the old, aristocratic system going to pieces. Mozart: Symphony No. 31, "Paris"

There is probably one excellent word to describe this musical piece: joy. Indeed, the symphony gives out a sense of exuberance in all its most important movements. The first movement is quite brash, with the chords taking over the scene for the introduction. However, the second movement is much more calm and serene, with the soothing sound of all instruments involved.

Personal Reflection:

One of the very exciting things about this concert was the fact that it was a thematic concerts, with music from the 18th century only. This is one of the reasons I would surely like to attend another similar concert in the future as well.

In my opinion, many of the characteristics of the 18th century were transmitted in some of the pieces played...

The 18th century, in itself, is quite ambiguous and ambivalent. On one hand, we have the still rigid, aristocratic environment in France, with a very fixed social pyramid that nobody expected to change. On the other hand, we have the French Revolution and the changes it brought about, along with the Illuminist movement during most of the century. These were quite diametrically opposite from one another and the music reflects this ambivalence.
The concert itself is also a musical combination of pieces that reflect these different states of spirit. Rameau's and Haydn's pieces are monarchical and aristocratic by excellence. These pieces, including the storming of Mount Olympus, are majestic and pompous at times. Davaux's piece, on the other hand, is almost revolutionary in its approach and you feel the revolutionary atmosphere. Mozart's piece makes the connection between the two periods, so the musical pieces in the concert are excellently picked.

Rameau's overture is probably the piece I enjoyed most because of its vivid descriptive capacity. Indeed, the composer is able to successfully paint the movement action of the characters in their attacking action.