Norrköping, Sweden – Norrköpings Symfoniorkester – Brahms

Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
Magnus Fryklund, conductor

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat Major

Concert also includes
Bach/Webern: Ein musikalisches opfer, Ricercata No. 2
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor “The Symphony of Destiny”

VENUE NOTE:

Bach, Beethoven and Brahms are sometimes called the three big B’s of classical music. In the past, this could result in three plaster busts, which stood slightly wobbly on a piano. In this program, we will hear music by all three.

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his Musikalisches Opfer in 1747. There are a number of intricate variations on a theme he had been given by Frederick the Great of Prussia during a visit to Potsdam. Here we have chosen one of the many movements, orchestrated by composer Anton Webern.

Almost all of us recognize the opening four notes, tá tá tá taaa, in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. “Then fate knocks on the door” Beethoven is said to have uttered, but these four notes form a motif that runs through the entire symphony, which ends triumphantly in a grandiose final movement. From darkness to light, one could describe the dramatic work. Over the years, the symphony has become the most played of all classical symphonies.

Johannes Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto is perhaps a little lighter in character, (C minor in the symphony, B flat major in the concerto). But there is also a lot of drama here, and the pianist has no easy task to match the strong nuances of the orchestra. However, this should not be a problem for the evening’s soloist, Leif-Ove Andsnes. This world-famous Norwegian pianist has most of the major piano concertos in his repertoire, and has performed all over the world. We are incredibly happy and proud to present him here in Norrköping for the first time.