Ever since 1821, Beethoven’s theatre music for a production of Goethe’s tragedy Egmont in 1810, has been performed as an independent concert piece with narration between the ten movements.
The music, full of Romantic pathos, constitutes Beethoven’s sublime glorification of the idealism, self-sacrifice, unconditional love and heroic determination that characterize all who courageously resist a ruthless oppressor. In 1568, for Egmont, this was the Spanish king; in 1810, for Beethoven, it was Napoleon.
The extremely dramatic overture Coriolan was composed in 1807 for a production of von Collin’s eponymous tragedy. In the present programme it serves as an introduction to the so-called Choral Fantasy, which Beethoven devised in 1808 as a “brilliant finale” for a benefit concert. It is one of his most diversified works: a long introduction for piano solo is followed by a series of variations on his own song Gegenliebe (1794-5) for instrumental and vocal soloists, orchestra and choir. In 1823-4 Beethoven would rework the song once more in the famous last movement of his Ninth Symphony.
Conductor
Peter Van Heyghen
Soloists will be selected through internal audition
Programme about Ludwig van Beethoven
- Egmont Op. 84
- Ouverture Coriolanus Op. 62
- Koorfantasie Op. 80
As a student or a coworker of the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, RITCS or EhB this evening is free of charge. As well for children up to 12 years old.
