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Beethoven and Tchaikovsky

De Doelen: Grote ZaalKruisstraat 2, Rotterdam, South Holland, 3012 CT, Netherlands
Dates/times in Amsterdam time zone
Friday 04 September 202620:15

Two heroic tales of a battle with fate.

Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto is a heroic epic in which the soloist throws themselves into battle with leonine courage. In this hero, we recognise the composer himself. Though he became deaf, he continued to compose, overcame his fate, and became a shining example for generations to come — including Tchaikovsky. “In essence, my symphony is an imitation of Beethoven,” he said of his own heroic Fourth. An imitation? You might just as well call it an intensification.

© RPhO
© RPhO
Bachtrack top ten: Piano Concertos