SOUND REVOLUTION: BEETHOVEN AND SHOSTAKOVIC

  Košice Music Spring 12.06.2025 House of Arts 19:00

Final concert of the 69th Košice Music Spring

State Philharmonic Orchestra Košice
Patrick HAHN , conductor
Frank DUPREE , piano

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major "Imperial", Op. 73 37´`
Richard Strauss: The Merry Mischiefs of Till Eulenspiegel, symphonic poem, op. 28 17`
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9 in E flat major, Op. 70 25`

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major represents the pinnacle of classical music in this area. The purposeful development of Beethoven's style led to the achievement of an ideal balance between emotional content and virtuoso elements, to a brilliant synthesis of elements of original piano and symphonic technique. Beethoven emphasizes these influences even more by using the key of E flat major, which literally symbolizes heroic traits and in Symphony No. 3, the Eroica, it acquires further symbolic meanings.

Richard Strauss has adapted his own take on the German legend of Till Eulenspiegel, a mischievous figlier who became known in folklore as the prototype of a trickster and a jester. The work amazes with its spontaneous verve and literally unbridled humor. He achieved a clear tone through the choice of main themes, brilliant rhythmic ideas, the beauty of instrumental and harmonic colors, and especially the sincere spontaneity of the whole concept. Strauss captures the escapades of Till Eulenspiegel in this brilliantly entertaining work in an almost cinematically colorful shot.

Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9 in E flat major was composed after World War II. In it, the author decided to abandon the pathetic-heroic themes of his previous works and return to the atmosphere of his first symphony. Therefore, this composition is characterized by lightness, at times reminiscent of Rossini's carefreeness and Prokofiev's grotesqueness. This symphony is relatively short in scope, lasting only half the time compared to the Seventh and Eighth symphonies, and in addition, it has a suite-like character, different from large sonata or cyclical compositions.