Posts Tagged ‘Piano Concerto No. 5’

It’s pretty safe to say at this point in Beethoven’s posthumous career, that the man was not a one hit wonder.  Sure, we’re more familiar with some of his works than others, but generally speaking – he’s a heavy hitter.  His Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” is considered one of the most magical and beautiful pieces amidst the enormous anthology of his compositions – it has a sort of romance and familiarity that is sweeter than Moonlight Sonata and less intense or dramatic than his famed Fifth Symphony.

Then there’s his Symphony No. 7.  It has an almost dancing rhythm, with plenty of drama, fantasy, and familiar melodies hidden within an abundance of brass and string instruments doing what they do best.  Perhaps the most recognizable movement of Symphony No. 7 is the Allegro con Brio.

While we’re on the subject of classical musicians who are worth their salt, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, performing on Wednesday, February 17 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is the oldest civic concert orchestra in the world.  Founded in 1743, the Gewandhaus Orchestra is no stranger to performing Beethoven – they performed all of his symphonies during his lifetime.  For those who are skimming, that was during his lifetime.  We love our LA Philharmonic just as much as Gustavo Dudamel likely does, but even they can’t boast having played all of a composer’s works during his lifetime.  (Maybe we can accomplish this with Esa-Pekka Salonen’s compositions? Hint, hint!)

Because there is absolutely nothing like seeing the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” and his Symphony No. 7 with Riccardo Chailly at the conductor’s stand and guest pianist Louis Lortie gracing the stage, we’re actually giving away the pair of tickets hidden behind our backs for the performance on February 17 at 8:00pm.  It’s the kind of thing we’d normally just keep for ourselves.

Here are some Extra! Extra! details you’ll want to keep in mind: by entering into this giveaway, you’re also entered into the next three giveaways! All we need is your first name, last name, and email address and voila – you’re reminiscing about the days of yore when Beethoven was just a young man and a gewandhaus was just a meetinghouse for textile merchants.  Ah, the good old days.

(Click here if you’d rather not risk it and you’d like to buy your own tickets.)