Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Portraits of Beethoven
With the most famous four notes in history, the opening to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has captivated the world for more than 200 years. Its power has never diminished.
Duration
The concert will end at approximately 3:50pm. Latecomers might be admitted during a suitable break in the performance and will be guided to first available seats.
Pre-Concert
Join us for the pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the performance in the Northern Foyer, by Scott Kinmont.
Concert Guide
Behind every great piece is a great story. Have a read through the concert guide to get all the details.
Composed while his deafness was becoming overwhelming, and amidst the occupation of Vienna by Napoleon’s troops, this was Beethoven’s bold statement in defiance of fate.
There is always a huge amount to rediscover in this stirring and powerful symphony and in Jaime Martín’s irresistible interpretation, with his trademark energy, Beethoven’s extraordinary vision sparkles.
Fifteen years before the Fifth, Beethoven announced himself to Vienna with his First Piano Concerto. Written to showcase his virtuosic playing, its melodic ideas and daring harmonies revealed a unique and astonishing new musical force to the world. In Beethoven, Spanish pianist Javier Perianes makes ‘the piano sing and glitter with alert, polished brilliance’ (Sydney Morning Herald).
Christopher Sainsbury’s String Talk combines Indigenous traditions with Western classical forms, a juxtaposition that invites us to re-examine what we know and love about classical music. Jaime Martín, Javier Perianes, Sainsbury and Beethoven – a rich musical feast that will enchant you from the very start.
Program
CHRISTOPHER SAINSBURY String Talk
50 Fanfares Commission
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No.1
BEETHOVEN Symphony No.5
Christopher Sainsbury's String Talk was made possible through the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's 50 Fanfares Project and was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, supported by Government Partner, the City of Sydney.
Artists
JAIME MARTÍN conductor
JAVIER PERIANES piano
Please note
These performances were originally advertised as being conducted by Simone Young, who will now be appearing at the 2024 Bayreuth Festival. We are grateful to Jaime Martín, Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony for making a welcome return to lead these performances.
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