Noord Nederlands Orkest — Beethoven 5

About this event

This is a program full of variety. The pieces by Liszt and Kodály are brimming with Hungarian folk music, featuring a captivating alternation of melancholic melodies and rousing dance rhythms. Moreover, they are beautifully orchestrated, with velvety clarinet parts and buzzing strings. A fine contrast is provided by Quiet City by Aaron Copland, one of the founding fathers of American music. Trumpet and English horn play a solo role here: together, they make the nocturnal loneliness of a large American city audible. The highlight is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony . The opening notes—tatata taaa!—grew into a musical symbol and even made their way into pop music. Do not expect a ’tame’ symphony: everything revolves around dramatic contrasts, from the alarming beginning to the exuberant finale. With this work, Beethoven proved himself a true revolutionary. Never before had a composer made the struggle for human existence so strikingly audible. It is no coincidence that the piece was given the nickname ‘ Symphony of Fate ’. With a happy ending, though. Program F. Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 in D minor. A. Copland Quiet City Z. Kodály Dancing from Galánta L. v. Beethoven Symphony no.5, op.67

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