Beethoven lived through an age of revolution, war and immense political upheaval. He admired Napoleon as a champion of liberty and equality, but was deeply disappointed when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor. Journalist and foreign affairs commentator Tove Bjørgaas opens the evening with a talk about Beethoven, Napoleon and the men who wield power, drawing parallels with our own times.

Three masterpieces from Beethoven’s middle and late creative periods follow. Olli Mustonen opens the concert with the brilliant Waldstein Sonata, one of Beethoven’s most innovative and virtuosic piano works. He is then joined by Klaus Mäkelä for the Cello Sonata Op. 102 No. 1, where we encounter a more concentrated and searching Beethoven, moving towards his final creative period.

The Engegård Quartet brings the festival to a close with the second Razumovsky Quartet in E minor. Its slow movement is said to have been inspired by Beethoven’s contemplation of the starry sky — music filled with wonder, beauty and an almost boundless sense of tranquillity.

A magnificent conclusion to our journey through Beethoven’s heroic period — and a glimpse of the visionary music awaiting us in November!

Programme

5.30 pm — Talk

Beethoven, Napoleon and Men in Power
Tove Bjørgaas

6.00 pm — Concert

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 — “Waldstein”
Olli Mustonen, piano

Cello Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1
Klaus Mäkelä, cello
Olli Mustonen, piano

Interval

String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59 No. 2 — “Razumovsky”
Engegård Quartet

The talk is included in the concert ticket.