Beethoven Academie - Sigiswald Kuijken

The conductor Sigiswald Kuijken and the pianist Frank Braley will tackle the final concert of this intriguing series. Schumann and Brahms are on the thoroughly romantic menu, with the 'Manfred overture' as an appetizer. Robert Schumann (1810-1856) recognized himself in Lord Byron's poem 'Manfred': he too was plagued by inner conflicts and identity problems. The overture 'Manfred' persuasively articulates those so intimate feelings. The 'Pianoconcerto in a' was first performed by Clara Schumann in December of 1845. With its spring-like air, this work is regarded as the first expression of youthful zest typical for the Romantic era. Schumann built a well-balanced structure on the most progressive technical accomplishments of his time, which equally possesses a broadly developed lyricism and superb poetic ideas. This remains a surprising work from a forthwith sickly and irritable composer. For twenty years, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) laboured over his 'First Symphony', while Beethoven, forever, was looming over him. To his great dismay the symphony was, after its first performance in Vienna, immediately dubbed "Beethoven's Tenth". The performance in Leipzig, a short time later, was a true triumph and even today, we do view the work as a culmination of the symphonic oeuvre.