Seattle Symphony: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
Originally published on social media on February 4th, 2024
Today, I got to cross off an item from my bucket list! I fell in love with the 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto last year, and hearing it performed live only strengthened my love for the piece. Thank you @seattlesymphony for making this dream come true.
All of the movements of the Emperor Concerto are stunning, but the 2nd movement is my favorite because of it’s intimate nature. The tempo is slower in a way that feels deeply contemplative and romantic. You know how in the movies when a guy starts to fall in love with a girl he will watch her in slow motion? That is the exact feeling this movement captures.
I felt that in the recording, but my senses were blown away hearing it performed live. Sure you can hear dynamic changes on a recording, but in a live performance, those changes take on new meaning and feelings. It almost feels like a pulse, and the swelling that occurs when the music crescendos (especially in this piece) makes it seem as if the heavens are completely opening. At one point during the 2nd movement, being in that room felt like the most important thing in the world, and the idea of anyone being anywhere else but there in that moment felt inconceivable.
The other movements and pieces played were lovely, although I must admit that (with the exception of the first piece), it all seemed to blend together. Blending isn’t bad, but what’s better is pairing things in a way that compliment each other but stand out with different flavors. Sometimes blending something too well removes flavor and makes it bland, and that was something the programming did run into from the 3rd movement of the concerto through the piece following.
My friend and I enjoyed watching the pianist today as he almost jumped in his seat and really put his all into his playing. Some moments felt like he was directly talking to the audience through the piano, and others felt as if we were getting insight into his soul. He was very deserving of the standing ovation he received, and being part of that was a privilege.
Thank you Seattle Symphony for brightening both my friend and I’s day.