Beethoven & Brahms

Artists:

• Volodymyr Zatsikha, violin
• Student Symphony Orchestra of the Lysenko Lviv National Academy of Music
• Tetiana Lysenko-Didula, conductor

Program:

• Ludwig van Beethoven. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
• Johannes Brahms. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, Op. 77

After the premiere of Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Orchestra, conductor Hans von Bülow declared that the concerto was written “against the violin.” However, a little later, violin prodigy Bronislav Hubermann objected by remarking that the concerto was written “for the violin against the orchestra – and the violin wins.”

What opinion did the composer himself hold? Brahms’s attitude to the concerto was inspired by Beethoven. At one time, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto was also accused of being unnecessarily difficult, and the first listeners often missed its deep meaning; Brahms even retained the concerto’s tonality in his work, thereby emphasizing his respect for the Maestro. Despite the criticism, Brahms’ Violin Concerto is a significant achievement of the late 19th century.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s fateful Symphony No. 5 will also be played symbolically on the program. The challenges of fate and the light of human will will be presented by young and enthusiastic performers – the Student Symphony Orchestra of the Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Academy of Music under the direction of Tetiana Lysenko-Didula.