BEETHOVEN'S EMPEROR CONCERTO. Alba Ventura and Kazushi Ono

REPERTOIRE

Juli Garreta i Arboix: Pastoral. Symphonic poem (1922) 12’
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major “Emperor”, Op. 73 (1808-11) 39′
Johannes Brahms: Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 (1855-1874) 45′

ARTISTS

Jaume Santonja, conductor
Alba Ventura, piano
Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC)

PROGRAMME

Juli Garreta composed his symphonic poem Pastoral in 1922. Born in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, he fostered the renewal of musical language in Catalonia to such good effect that, after listening to the sardana Juny at the Ateneu Barcelonès, Stravinsky is reported to have said: “more Garreta, please, more Garreta”.

Talented pianist Alba Ventura performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s imposing “Emperor” concerto, a piece that still moves audiences with its solemn opening movement in which time seems to slow down, and the vigorous closing rondo.

The Barcelona Symphony Orchestra will take centre stage to perform Brahms’ First Symphony, a work that took many years to complete, as he strove to emulate the impressive example set by Beethoven. The piece opens with a section featuring pulsating timpani, asserting its identity and the composer’s individual style.