Beethoven Celebrated in Galway

Ludwig van Beethoven in 1803

Beethoven Celebrated in Galway

Music for Galway are presenting their Midwinter Festival at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, on 25—27 January. This year’s festival focusses on Ludwig van Beethoven, and is titled ‘Beethoven: Genius, Passion and the Irish connection’.

The performances make use of a pool of musicians, including the Dutch piano trio Osiris Trio, the Dutch soprano Charlotte Riedijk, the tenor Robin Tritschler, the clarinettist Paul Roe and the pianist Rebecca Čápová. The actor Rod Goodall will complement the music with readings from Beethoven’s letters, as translated by Emily Anderson in the 1960s.

The opening concert at 8pm on Friday, 25 January, is titled ‘Genius’ and aims to show the breadth of Beethoven’s output, from his earliest to his latest work. The programme includes his piano trio in E flat major (Beethoven’s Op. 1, No. 1 — not quite his first published composition, but nearly), various songs for soprano and piano (including three versions of Sehnsucht) and the Six Bagatelles, Op.88 written in the 1820s and his final work for the piano.

At 2pm on Saturday, 26 January, the composer Jane O’Leary will be in conversation with the musicians in an event titled ‘Meet the Musicians.’ Later that day, at 8pm, a concert titled ‘Passion’ includes songs for tenor and piano, readings from Beethoven’s letters and his piano trio in B flat major.

Sunday, 27 January, focusses on Beethoven’s connection to Ireland, with a number of his Irish songs. These were written between 1809 and 1820 and include pieces such as They bid me slight my Dermot dear and O might I but my Patrick love!. More of Beethoven’s letters will be read at this event and the performance will also feature his Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119, and the piano trio in D major, Op. 70, No. 1.

Music for Galway are offering a festival ticket for €55 (€45 for concessions) with booking via the Town Hall Theatre (www.tht.ie).

musicforgalway.ie

Published on 16 January 2013

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