Concert Review: The BPO Performs Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto
Also Napoleon, War Trauma, Finland, And A Medieval Nun
Setting: July 5, 1809, Vienna.
Napoleon’s First Empire is at its height but fighting on two fronts: a “peninsular war” on the Iberian Peninsula against Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, and a second front in Central Europe against Austria.
During the Battle of Wagram, Vienna was battered with a brutal, unrelenting artillery barrage. The stalwart Viennese citizens who remained in the great city during the siege included one Ludwig Van Beethoven who had abandoned his studio to take refuge in a cellar with his brother Carl, at one point covering his ears with pillows to protect his degenerating hearing.
The trauma of the shelling (and later occupation) of Vienna affected Beethoven deeply; he recalled “nothing but drums, cannons, men, misery of all sorts,” admitting “it affected me body and soul.”
Beethoven, like many in Europe, at first hailed Napoleon as a republican hero who would sweep away Europe’s oppressive monarchies and set the stage for a peaceful, republican Europe based on Enlightenment principles of individual rights. When Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804, however, Beethoven famously scratched out the title “Bonaparte” to his (Third) symphony in favor of “Eroica” (“Heroic”).
In 1809, as Beethoven began composing his epic “Emperor” concerto (the unfortunate nickname “Emperor” was attached to the concerto after Beethoven’s death. It does not refer to Napoleon and Beethoven would not have approved), he consciously modified the concerto from the Classical (read Mozart) model of virtuoso accompanied by the orchestra, replacing the pianist’s improvised, cadenzas with a fully scripted partnership between soloist and orchestra.
The BPO Performance of “The Emperor”
Guest conductor David Lockington, and soloist Stewart Goodyear joined the BPO Saturday night (April 20, 2024) for the BPO’s first performance of the Emperor Concerto since 2015.
From the dramatic, opening E♭chord, Stewart Goodyear displayed his renowned virtuosity with a note-perfect performance which included smashing chords, a flurry of glissandos, and sweet, delicate interludes. Listen below as Goodyear records the Emperor’s Third Movement with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Andrew Constantine (2020).
In a mere thirty seconds (:57-1:27) Goodyear demonstrates controlled virtuosity, a delicate touch, and intimate orchestral interplay. While any Beethoven composition requires high-level professionals the Emperor (his final concerto) requires technical mastery, historical understanding, and emotional intelligence.
Lockington, Goodyear, and the BPO did not disappoint as they brought Beethoven to life. A grateful audience called Goodyear to the stage for no fewer than three curtain calls; they were rewarded with an encore, a nuanced performance of the Second Movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata (1799).
Sibelius’ Masterpiece
Although Finlandia is Jean Sibelius’ most acclaimed work, his Second Symphony (1902) was his masterpiece. Beethoven’s influence can be clearly heard in his prodigious use of percussion and sweeping, dramatic strings, but Sibelius’ unique voice is clear.
While Goodyear’s Emperor was the star of the show, the BPO delivered an inspired, emotional performance which closed the concert and brought the Kleinhans crowd to a well-deserved (second), clamorous, standing ovation.
Vivian Fung’s Prayer
The concert opened with a brief instrumental “Prayer” by Canadian composer Vivian Fung. Inspired by a chant written by Medieval Christian mystic Hildegard of Bingen’s O Shepherd of Souls, Fung wrote “Prayer” to be performed online and separately during the COVID quarantine.
As Music Director JoAnn Falletta celebrates her 25th year at the BPO’s helm, this may be a good time to reflect upon this bastion of culture in our midst. Sophisticated musical programming, world-renowned soloists, and a vibrant, talented symphony don’t just happen. We are fortunate.
The world may be broken and scary, but Kleinhans Music Hall remains a rare and wonderful sanctuary.
This is great. Thank you. And I really appreciate the history to put it in context.