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Beethoven's Apotheosis of the Dance

Ian Hobson, music director, conductor, and piano

In this performance, Sinfonia opens with Beethoven’s Overture to Coriolan, which was written for Heinrich Joseph von Collin’s 1804 tragedy of the same name. The play and the composition narrate the end of the life of infamous Roman general Gaius Marcius Coriolanus, a warrior known for his exceptional valor. Ending the first half is Beethoven’s first published piano concerto (but his third attempt), his Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major. Beethoven touted his seventh symphony as one of his best works, calling it “one of the happiest products of my poor talents.” Richard Wagner characterized the work as “the Apotheosis of the Dance itself: it is Dance in its highest aspect, the loftiest deed of bodily motion, incorporated into an ideal mold of tone.” We think you will agree with his description.

Beethoven: Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92

This performance will run approximately one hour and 55 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.