Musicians weigh in on Beethoven’s Pastorale as well as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue ahead of upcoming concerts
Even those who know nothing about classical music can name one token composer: Ludwig Van Beethoven. The German pianist who lived between 1770 and 1827 wrote nine symphonies and numerous piano concertos, sonatas and string quartets, despite becoming progressively deaf beginning in his 20s. He was a pioneer among piano composers and his work became famous and beloved for its one-of-a-kind structures and emotional evocation.
“His music captures a wide emotional range from heroic to deeply personal,” says National Repertory Orchestra horn player Lily Kern, who will perform Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony (No. 6) in Breckenridge on July 19 and in Denver July 20.
“Despite his increasing deafness, Beethoven’s ability to compose profound music is seen as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. His use of innovative techniques in harmony, rhythm, and orchestration, along with his emphasis on expression, has influenced countless composers.”
Aligning powerfully with the NRO’s Elements of Nature theme this festival season, the Pastorale Symphony paints a stirring auditory portrait that mimics sounds of wildlife, weather and water.
“This symphony is a vivid portrayal of nature and rural life,” Kern says. “Unlike his other symphonies, the Pastorale is programmatic, depicting scenes from the countryside, such as flowing rivers, bird calls, a thunderstorm… This symphony is uniquely moving due to its serene, picturesque quality and the way it captures the essence of nature through music. From an audience standpoint, it is captivating because it transports listeners to a natural setting, evoking feelings of peace, joy, and connection with nature.”
Producing such sounds presents a unique challenge for the orchestra.
“Musicians must convey the detailed nuances of nature through their instruments, requiring a deep sensitivity to dynamics, articulation, and phrasing,” Kern says. “The piece demands not only technical proficiency but also an ability to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions, making it a fulfilling experience to bring Beethoven’s vision to life.”
Beethoven is on NRO violinist Anna Kelleher’s short list of all-time favorite composers. She believes his work is unique in how it enables musicians to animate imagery and provoke emotion.
“Beethoven has an incredible ability to translate his feelings and emotions into music. At the surface level you can’t always see all the intricacies, but when it is performed with intent it can be a transformative experience for the listener and the audience,” she says.
Unlike most classical composers and musicians, Beethoven was also known for his improvisation skills, which segues into another grand piece on the program for the July 19 and 20 concerts, George Gershwin’s ground-breaking Rhapsody in Blue, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Internationally renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker will join the NRO on July 19 and 20 to perform the iconic Gershwin piece following Beethoven’s Pastorale.
Jon Kimura Parker.
“Rhapsody in Blue remains unique in all of music,” Kimura Parker says. “It’s classical and jazzy and evocative of Broadway, and somehow it’s also a piano concerto. I’ve played it across the world and it never ceases to move listeners with its charm and energy.”
The piece not only moves listeners, but allows the orchestra a rare opportunity to add individual touches to the performance.
“The piece often includes opportunities for improvisation, allowing performers to add their own interpretation,” Kern points out. “Rhapsody in Blue is special for its vibrant blend of classical structure and jazz idioms, seamlessly integrating syncopation, blues notes, and improvisational elements within a symphonic framework. From a performer’s standpoint, this piece requires technical proficiency and stylistic versatility, as musicians must navigate complex rhythms and the demands of both classical and jazz performance.”
“It is the piece that defined the Jazz Age of music,” Kelleher adds. “Performing this piece 100 years later shows just how much Gershwin’s music stood the test of time and how significant his stamp on American music is still today.”
National Repertory Orchestra Music Director Michael Stern conducts Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (featuring pianist Jon Kimura Parker) and Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes at 6 p.m. July 19 at The Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge and at 7 p.m. July 20 at The King Center in Denver.