Streams und Videos-on-Demand: Schumann's Piano Concerto

Norwegian Leif Ove Andsnes is one of the world’s most prominent and in-demand concert pianists. He debuted with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra with Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Since then, he has appeared on Konserthuset’s large stage on several occasions, most recently in 2014 in a solo recital dedicated entirely to Beethoven. Now we hear him perform Robert Schumann’s beloved Piano Concerto, which is in fact reminiscent of Grieg’s equally popular concerto in several ways. Both concertos begin similarly, with a characteristic powerful orchestral chord followed by falling chords on the piano.

Prokofiev said his fifth symphony is a tribute to the “generosity, strength and spiritual purity of the free and happy individual. I did not deliberately choose the theme; rather, it came to me, then matured, and had to be expressed”. He surely felt at that time like a chosen and privileged person. Since 1941, he had been living with Mira Mendelson, who would be his second wife. He was one of the country’s most esteemed and frequently played composers. In addition, the war would soon be won.

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is led by Franz Welser-Möst, who received the Eric Ericson Honorary Chair in 2018. He conducts the orchestra for two weeks each season.