Beethoven & Strauss

The evening begins with a rare exploration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s early years, featuring a concerto written when he was just thirteen. You will hear the light, eighteenth-century textures of his youthful style, which we then see evolve into the stormy, dramatic C minor of his third concerto. These two piano works form the core of the programme, showcasing a composer finding his definitive voice. Interspersed with these are two contrasting tone poems by Richard Strauss. Death and Transfiguration offers a meditative and intense journey through mortality and light, requiring deep focus from the listener. To conclude, the mood shifts significantly towards the indulgent and waltz-heavy sounds of the Rosenkavalier Suite. Listen for the way Strauss uses the full weight of the orchestra to create a sense of nostalgia and opulence, providing a bright counterpoint to the more rigorous structure of the Beethoven concertos earlier in the night.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra, a resident ensemble at the Southbank Centre, is joined by conductor Dima Slobodeniouk for this performance. The orchestra is known for its versatility and its ability to navigate both the disciplined classical form of Beethoven and the large-scale romanticism of Strauss. Pianist Kirill Gerstein takes the lead in the two concertos. Gerstein is widely recognised for his intellectual approach to programming and his technical precision, particularly in works that demand both agility and deep emotional weight, making him well-suited to bridging the gap between Beethoven’s adolescence and maturity.

This performance takes place at the Royal Festival Hall in London and has a total duration of 52 minutes. This makes it a notably concise programme for an orchestral concert, ideal if you are looking for a shorter evening of music or if you are visiting the Southbank Centre for the first time. The shorter run time focused on four specific works allows for a high level of concentration without the need for a lengthy interval. There is no specific dress code for this venue; patrons typically wear anything from smart-casual to business attire.