Through its bold innovations, Beethoven’s last piano concerto opened a new path to musical Romanticism. The relationship he instilled between soloist and orchestra mirrors his social status in the 19th century: that of an independent artist sometimes at odds with the world around him. The drive and intensity of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto also enliven Sibelius’ Symphony no. 5, a radiant work that is often triumphant in character.
Jennifer HIGDON, blue cathedral (12 min.)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat major, op. 73, “Emperor” (38 min.)
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Jean SIBELIUS, Symphony no. 5 in E-flat major, op. 82 (30 min.)
