San Francisco Symphony - Beethoven's Emperor Concerto

Beethoven's Last Stand

Pianist Garrik Ohlsson and Conductor Laureate Herbert Blomstedt join forces for Beethoven's lavish final work, his Piano Concerto No. 5. Herculean and jubilant, it was composed as French troops invaded Vienna and stands in direct contrast to the his own, less than positive views on Napoleon and his regime. In fact, its popular nickname would not have been received with much joy from the composer.

That said, it is still a stunning, stirring masterpiece that contains one of the most captivating embodiments of Romantic conflicts in the repertoire.

Rounding out the evening is the Stenhammar's Symphony No.2, a glorious example of Scandinavian genius.