WCHOF Composer Series: Beethoven 250th Festival—Birthday Finale

Join the World Chess Hall of Fame on Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday as we conclude our year-long festival of his music with a live-streamed concert featuring music for strings and piano in a performance by members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra: Erin Schreiber and Shawn Weil, violins; Leo Plashinov-Johnson, viola; Bjorn Ranheim, cello; and special guest pianist, Peter Henderson.

This program will celebrate Beethoven’s vast legacy by showcasing revered solo and chamber music spanning the three main periods of his compositional output. The beloved “Pathétique” Sonata for Piano, composed when he was just 27 years of age, vaulted Beethoven onto the world stage and has remained one of his most celebrated works. The vibrant and sunny Sonata for Cello and Piano in A major is indicative of his middle period and is unique in that it gives equal roles to both instruments. The groundbreaking Große Fuge (Grand Fugue) for String Quartet, composed just a year before his death as the original finale to the Op. 130 quartet, is as complex and fascinating for listeners of today as it was for those of his day. Perplexing scholars and audiences alike, the work illustrates that Beethoven was truly ahead of his time. His music is as fresh, impactful and important today as ever!

2020 marks the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most beloved and influential composers of all time. Countless musicians, ensembles, and performing arts organizations around the world will honor his incredible legacy. The World Chess Hall of Fame celebrates with a multi-concert festival dedicated to some of the composer's greatest works, his Late String Quartets performed by members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Program:

Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique” for Piano

  1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
  2. Adagio cantabile
  3. Rondo: Allegro

Große Fuge, Op. 133 for String Quartet

Sonata No. 3 in A major for Cello & Piano

  1. Allegro ma non tango
  2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
  3. Adagio cantabile - Allegro vivace

This event can be viewed on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

Wednesday, Dec 16 - 7:00 pm