Symphony No. 4 — Beethoven and Górecki | Pavilionis | Symphony Orchestra

Performers: Dainius Pavilionis — conductor

Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra

Program: Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 4 in B major, Op. 60

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki — 4th Symphony Tansman Episodes

Concert as part of the XIV International Days of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Episodes

Two Fourth Symphonies, two fascinating musical worlds and composers who crossed the boundaries of their era in a completely different way. Ludwig van Beethoven's music will meet with the monumental and deeply symbolic work of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki. The Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Lithuanian conductor Dainius Pavilionis — winner of international conducting competitions, including the 8th Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conductors Competition.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B major, Op. 60, remains one of the composer's most serene and classically balanced works. Created between the monumental Third “Eroica” and the dramatic Fifth Symphony, it has remained somewhat in the shadow of its more famous neighbors over the years, although many scholars consider it one of Beethoven's most formally sophisticated works. The composer masterfully combines classical clarity with his characteristic energy and unpredictability of the narrative.

A special impression is made by the mysterious introduction of the first part — beginning quietly and ambiguously, as if the music had just emerged from the silence. From this tension, Beethoven leads the listener towards the Allegro vivace full of light and movement. The symphony impresses with its lightness, humor and extraordinary rhythmic energy, and at the same time reveals the composer's modern thinking about form and dramaturgy.

The second part of the evening will be completed by the 4th Symphony “Tansman Episodes” by Henryk Mikołaj Górecki — the last great symphonic work of the patron saint of the Silesian Philharmonic. The composer worked on the piece for many years, but did not have time to complete the full instrumentation before his death; the work was completed by his son, Mikołaj Górecki. The symphony is dedicated to Aleksandr Tansman — Polish composer and friend of Górecki — and its music becomes a reflection on memory, transience and spiritual experience.

“Tansman Episodes” combine the musical language characteristic of Górecki's late work — based on rehearsals, monumental sound blocks and slow building of tension — with enormous emotional strength. In addition to moments of silence, there are violent climaxes and powerful tutti orchestras, creating music of an almost ritual nature. It is a work full of concentration, drama and deep spirituality, being the symbolic culmination of the composer's symphonic journey.

The concert on November 13 will be a meeting of two different musical visions of the symphony — Beethoven's classical harmony and Górecki's contemporary monumentality. It is an evening in which tradition will meet with spiritual reflection and the extraordinary strength of the orchestral sound.

CONCERT INFORMANT
Co-financed from the funds of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund — a state special purpose fund, as part of the “Music” program, implemented by the National Institute of Music and Dance

Project under the patronage of the City of Katowice

partner