GR Symphony to present Beethoven April 4-5
Thu, Mar 27, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Symphony will say bravo to one of the most influential composers in classical music history when it presents an all-Beethoven concert April 4-5 at 8 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall.
The concert will be led by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and feature acclaimed guest pianist Vladimir Feltsman.
The Russian-born Feltsman will join the orchestra for Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 5." A regular guest soloist with every leading orchestra in the United States, he appears on the most prestigious concert series and music festivals worldwide.
Also known as the "Emperor" concerto, Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 5" is one of his most beloved pieces. He wrote it in 1809 and dedicated it to the archduke of Austria. When this work was performed by one of the greatest pianists and conductors of the 19th century, Hans von Bulow, he received applause in the opening minutes of the work — such is its power in the beginning and throughout.
While heroism is reflected in "Piano Concerto No. 5," it was the power and beauty of nature that inspired Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6" — also known as his "Pastoral" symphony. Beethoven composed this symphony during a stay in the countryside — and listeners will hear orchestral bird calls, the serenity of a bubbling brook, a joyous folk dance and a fierce thunderstorm. The piece closes with the soaring melody of the shepherds who are grateful for the calm after the storm.
The overture from Beethoven's one and only opera, "Fidelio," will open the concert. Though Beethoven was a musical genius, he struggled with writing opera. He wrote four different overtures to his opera and this concert will feature his last version, which is the lightest sounding. The opera tells the story of Florestan, who is unjustly imprisoned, and his wife who risked her life to free him.
Guerrero was recently appointed music director of the Nashville Symphony. He begins his duties there in the 2008-09 season as music director designate while concurrently finishing his tenure as music director of Oregon's Eugene Symphony.
Individual tickets range from $11 to $58, and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (616) 456-3333, online at ticketmaster.com, or in person at the symphony office (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, suite 100, in Grand Rapids.
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