Beethoven Symphony Cycle (Nos 4 & 5)
Saffron Walden
London
Norwich
19 – 27 May 2018
Gerald Barry
Piano Concerto (London premiere)
Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 in B flat, Op.60
Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67
Artists
Thomas Adès
piano
Nicolas Hodges
Piano
Summary
Thomas Adès and Britten Sinfonia’s journey through Beethoven’s Symphonies reaches the half-way point with the perennially popular, vivacious Symphony No 5 and the subdued, poignant Symphony No 4.
In this performance, Adès and the orchestra interpret and illuminate these two monuments of the orchestral repertoire, alongside the inventive music of Irish composer, Gerald Barry. The concert features the London premiere of Barry’s Piano Concerto written specially for, and performed by Nicolas Hodges.
Find out more about the Beethoven Symphony Cycle here.
Download the programme notes for free here.
Saffron Hall & Norwich Theatre Royal – Pre-concert talk, 6.30pm
Nicolas Hodges discusses Gerald Barry’s Piano Concerto (free to ticket holders; tickets for the talk in Norwich must be booked in advance)
The performance in London will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
The performance in Norwich is part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2018
Related News / Blog
Reviews
Bachtrack
"Adès’s control and flexibility were exemplary, and the players of the Britten Sinfonia conveyed all the work’s energy, subtlety and, in the final movement, triumphant joy."
Read MoreClassical Source
"The Fifth has been saying “Beat that” since its premiere, and so did this performance."
Read MoreFinancial Times
"Britten Sinfonia is middling in size, with some high-profile wind soloists in its ranks, which means playing that is quick on its feet, bristling with clarity and energy. The Symphony No.4 was all those things and highly dramatised in Adès’s hands."
Read MoreThe Guardian
"His reading of No 5, however, was a winner – impatient yet disciplined, histrionic yet lyrical, it stressed the elements Beethoven and Barry share, and found resolution for all of them, ending the concert in triumphant exuberance."
Read MoreThe Observer
"Together with the lithe and airborne No 4 in B flat, he conducted the Fifth with febrile grandeur, as if surprised himself at Beethoven’s unpredictable, rule-breaking brilliance."
Read MoreEastern Daily Press
"The performance was conducted by Thomas Adès. Setting exhilarating speeds, he shaped every detail and demanded great climaxes with compelling gestures."
Read More