4. Classical Music on Sunday

The 7th Symphony was Beethoven’s greatest success during his lifetime. From a slow introduction emerges a symphony that surprises the listener above all with its dance-like elements. As the ‘Apotheosis of Dance’, the symphony is almost reminiscent of dance music. To mark the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, we wish to pay tribute here – almost to the day – to this great composer of the Viennese Classical period. To this end, we have invited conductor Johannes Klumpp, a specialist in the Viennese Classical period. Johannes Klumpp is Artistic Director of the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra and the Folkwang Chamber Orchestra Essen. He pursues his mission of bringing music to the people with great enthusiasm.

Beethoven’s symphony is preceded by works by Joseph Haydn and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. As a pioneer of the symphony, Haydn introduced Beethoven to the genre, whilst Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, already an early Classical composer at the transition from the Baroque era, paved the way for the new musical era. In addition to symphonies, Haydn also composed operas such as The Soul of the Philosopher, or Orpheus and Eurydice, the overture to which will be performed here. The reference to Orpheus and Eurydice places the power of music at the heart of the plot.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach composed his Flute Concerto in A major at the court of Frederick II for the king’s private music sessions. This exuberant, lively concerto did not necessarily meet the court’s expectations.

Nevertheless, Bach gave free rein to his creativity here and allows the flute to play freely. Polish flautist Zofia Neugebauer approaches this concerto with a lyrical tone and fresh artistic visions, which make her one of the most distinguished flautists of her generation.