Love Scenes

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's tragedy 'Egmont' is centred around the Dutch struggle for freedom from Spanish rule in the 16th century. Goethe calls for specific incidental music to accompany it. Its function is reminiscent of a film score - for example when Egmont's sleep in prison or the death of his beloved Clare (Clärchen) are depicted in sound; and, ultimately, because the idea of freedom prevails despite the execution of the eponymous hero, a designated 'victory symphony' is expressly required. More than 20 years after the premiere, Ludwig van Beethoven created a score for a Viennese production that could do justice to the original. Two instrumental pieces in this thoughtfully assembled programme echo the unhappy love between Egmont and Clärchen: the dreamy love scene from the dramatic symphony 'Roméo et Juliette' by Beethoven admirer and romantic firebrand Hector Berlioz, and Jörg Widmann's 'Liebeslied' (Love Song) from 2010, which, according to the composer, translates love 'as paradise and snake pit' into music through a chamber music scoring. The personal drama and political poignancy of 'Egmont', on the other hand, are balanced by Beethoven's wondrously lyrical, sweeping, singing violin concerto. With violin star Lisa Batashvili, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the celebrated young conductor Robin Ticciati, the evening promises to be one of emotional, widescreen sound.