Essentials: Beethoven's 'Emperor Concerto'

The Essentials series introduces you to the masterpieces you will be happy to know, performed by the world-famous Concertgebouw Orchestra and complete with a lively introduction by the incomparable Thomas Vanderveken. At Essentials we welcome a new generation of music lovers, and the concerts typically have a pleasant informal atmosphere.

Essentials starts at 9 p.m. with an imaginative introduction to the programme (in Dutch).

Together with conductor Elim Chan, pianist Yefim Bronfman and a healthy dose of fun, we’re performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5. In his adventurous Fifth (and final) Piano Concerto, Beethoven explored the very boundaries of the genre. The work was nicknamed the ‘ Emperor ’ Concerto because of its grand scale. In many ways, the Piano Concerto No. 5 was ahead of its time, yet its popularity has remained undiminished thanks in part to the serene beauty of the slow middle movement. This impressive work is sure to fit Yefim Bronfman like a glove. The American pianist has been a much-loved guest soloist with us for twenty-five years.