Beethoven 250 - Symphony Cycle by Various, Σαβ 29 Φεβ 2020, Aπό (2020/2020), αγωγός John Eliot Gardiner, Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain

Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s approach to Beethoven takes us to the raison d’être of the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (ORR), transporting us to the time when Ludwig van Beethoven thrust his extraordinarily original music in front of his audience. The orchestra’s recordings of the symphonies have been described (by Gramophone Magazine) as a “tour de force… played at white heat”, “glorious” and “magnificent”. The 2020 performances gave audiences the chance to experience the full cycle of symphonies alongside lesser known works by Beethoven: the concert aria ‘Ah! perfido’, excerpts from his only full-length ballet, The Creatures of Prometheus, and excerpts from Leonore, the original version of his opera Fidelio. These works express Beethoven’s belief that love, faith and personal courage can overcome political or personal adversity – a message which now seems as urgent as ever. This celebration of the great composer took the ORR on a momentous worldwide tour, performing all nine symphonies to audiences across Europe and the United States. The Monteverdi Choir will join the ORR and John Eliot Gardiner for performances of the 9th symphony, alongside a stellar troupe of soloists: Lucy Crowe (soprano), Jess Dandy (contralto), Ed Lyon (tenor) and Tareq Nazmi* (bass).