Beethoven ’ s Emperor Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
{ program notes
The “ tiny wisp of a scherzo ” in D minor forms the pianist-killer second movement . Brahms ’ friends asked him why he had added this extra component to the customary three-movement concerto formula . He replied — in another fit of ironic understatement — that he felt it was necessary because the first and third movements were so “ harmless .” The pianist hurls out a boldly rhythmic first theme , and the strings contribute a contrasting sighing melody , which the piano elaborates soulfully . This music is repeated , then rolls into a development section . But in this formal hybrid — part scherzo dance , part sonata form — the music suddenly shifts into a radiant tolling-bells episode in D Major , which is the Trio section . Listen for the piano ’ s ardently rhapsodic passage here .
After two movements of almost unremitting intensity , Brahms at last provides repose with perhaps the most beautiful slow movement he ever composed . The pianist takes a needed rest while the solo cello sings a melody of heartbreaking loveliness ; a solo oboe soon joins in , intensifying the poignancy . As in the slow movement of Brahms ’ Violin Concerto , the soloist never sings this eloquent theme , but instead weaves marvelous variants on it . The movement ’ s most haunting moment occurs midway through when the piano — now stranded in the distant key of F-sharp Major and accompanied by two clarinets — seems to float in some timeless , otherworldly realm . The cello ’ s reappearance with its glorious melody seems no intrusion .
Brahms showed sure instincts when he chose to crown his three imposing movements with a relaxing finale of lighthearted melodiousness . Beginning with the piano ’ s buoyantly theme , he concocts a succession of melodies in the spirit of his Hungarian Dances . Throughout , the pianist ’ s virtuoso figurations sparkle like diamonds , especially in Brahms ’ vivacious sped-up conclusion .
Instrumentation : Two flutes including piccolo , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons , four horns , two trumpets , timpani , strings .
Notes by Janet E . Bedell , Copyright © 2017
Jan & Magda Bellen
Beethoven ’ s Emperor Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Friday , March 10 , 2017 — 8pm Sunday , March 12 , 2017 — 3pm
igor Stravinsky
Music Center At Strathmore Saturday , March 11 , 2017 — 8pm
Paul Goodwin , conductor Jan Lisiecki , piano
Concerto in E-flat , Dumbarton Oaks Tempo giusto Allegretto Con moto
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No . 5 in E-flat Major , opus 73 , “ Emperor ” Allegro Adagio un poco mosso Rondo : Allegro
JAN LISIECKI
Henryk Górecki
INTERMISSION Three Pieces in Old Style
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No . 4 in B-flat Major , opus 60 Adagio – Allegro vivace Adagio Allegro vivace Allegro ma non troppo
The concert will end at approximately 9:55 pm Friday , 10pm on Saturday and 4:55 pm on Sunday .
This concert is dedicated in memory of our dear friend , Hilda Perl Goodwin
Steinway & Sons is the Official Piano of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra .
Paul Goodwin
Paul Goodwin is known for incorporating period style within the traditional orchestral world . His extensive repertoire spans from the 14 th century to the present day . Artistic director and conductor of the Carmel Bach Festival and principal guest conductor of Cappella Aquileia , Mr . Goodwin was formerly associate conductor of the Academy of Ancient Music and principal guest conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra .
He has conducted orchestras throughout the world including the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra , Royal Scottish National Orchestra , National Symphony Orchestra
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