Eroica — Beethoven, Strauss | Seidenberg | Shemet | Symphony Orchestra

Performers: Samuel Seidenberg — horn

Yaroslav Shemet — conductor

Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra

Program: Ludwig van Beethoven — suite from the ballet Twory Prometheusz

Richard Strauss — Cavalry Concerto No. 2

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 3 in E flat major op. 55 “Eroica”

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” was originally intended to be dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte as a symbol of freedom and heroism. However, when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, the composer demonstratively removed the dedication from the score, leaving, however, the very idea of heroism that permeates the entire work.

The final of the symphony was based on a theme previously known from the ballet Twory Prometheusz, whose suite will also be heard during the concert. The program will be rounded off by Richard Strauss's 2nd Cavalry Concerto, and the evening's soloist will be Samuel Seidenberg — winner of the Geneva International Music Competition, former soloist among others Bamberger Symphoniker and HR-Sinfonieorchester in Frankfurt, and an artist collaborating with the Berliner Philharmoniker and Staatskapelle Berlin.

Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” was for Beethoven a real creative breakthrough. The composer broke with the classical model of Haydn and Mozart symphonies, creating a work much more monumental, dramatic and emotionally intense than anything created before. A special place is occupied by the second part of the symphony — a monumental mourning march, one of the most poignant passages in all of Beethoven's work. It contrasts with the energetic scherzo and the triumphant finale, whose theme returns as a symbol of victory and rebirth.

The theme of the finale “Eroici” was previously used by Beethoven in his ballet The Works of Prometheus, the only ballet in his work. The composer here turned to the myth of Prometheus, who brings fire, knowledge and art to people, making him a symbol of enlightenment, freedom and human development. The music of the ballet is distinguished by lightness, theatricality and classical elegance, but already here you can hear the energy and dramatic tensions characteristic of Beethoven, which a few years later will reach a monumental dimension precisely in “Eroice”.

The program will be rounded off by Richard Strauss's 2nd Cavalry Concerto — one of the most important works in the repertoire of this instrument. Strauss composed the concert at the end of his life, during World War II, creating music surprisingly serene, full of classical balance and noble sound. The piece is also a personal tribute to the composer's father, one of the most prominent horn players of his era. The solo part requires from the performer both impressive technique and extraordinary freedom of sound guidance and lyrical cantilene.

CONCERT INFORMANT