Beethoven 4

Editorial

When: 21 - 25 November, 2009
Where: Concert Hall Sydney & City Recital Hall
Bookings: Ticketmaster

Beethoven's early piano concertos weren't known for their intimacy, but his fourth, completed in 1806, is a gentle, seductive and quite radical piece of music. The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents this very personal and serene concerto, featuring rising star Dejan Lazic as the piano soloist. Born in Croatia, Lazic studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and soon received the reputation for being a brilliant pianist and gifted musician. He has, naturally, toured the world.

Also in the programme is Beethoven's Symphony No. 4. It may not be one of Beethoven's best known symphonies, but first performed in 1807, along with the Fourth Piano Concerto, it is nevertheless a work of energy, wit and wisdom. And while Beethoven may have gone on to explore more experimental areas, this early symphony encapsulates the power, the spirit and the beauty of his work.

Finishing off the programme is a new work by Australian composer Brett Dean, Testament. Known for translating visual imagery into soundscapes, Testament paints an aural picture of Beethoven and his encroaching deafness, as 12 violas simulate the sound of a scratching quill and snatches of his music rise and fall throughout.

Richard Tognetti, ACO's Artistic Director, also performs on lead violin.

For more information and bookings, visit: ACO

Tim Hunter, Citysearch