La Setena de Beethoven

Robert Gerhard: Concertino for string orchestra Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 2, op. 21 Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony no. 7, op. 92 Barcelona Symphony and National Orchestra of Catalonia Ludovic Morlot, conducting Jan Lisiecki, piano Gerhard's Concertino for string orchestra, conceived between 1927 and 1928, is distinguished by its transparent and dynamic writing of classical forms, while also reflecting the influence of atonality. Despite its refined balance, it anticipates the voice of one of the most transcendent Catalan composers. Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto no. 2, written during his peak creative youth—indeed, it is chronologically his first—places the piano at the center of an essentially lyrical discourse, which seems to spring from the soul. Jan Lisiecki will tackle a solo part that alternates poetic introspection with virtuosic brilliance, while the orchestra acts as the ideal framework for communicating this intimate truth. Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony no. 7, which Wagner described as an "apotheosis of dance," will conclude the program. Celebrated for its almost obsessive rhythmic character—also in a shadowy key, as evidenced by the ostinato of the allegretto—the symphony will reach a Dionysian climax. Collaborating in the concert on October 2: