Close‐up Concertgebouw Orchestra: Beethoven's torchbearers

About the Event

Two centuries after his passing, Beethoven’s music remains as dynamic and vital as ever. Members of the Concertgebouw Orchestra are set to perform his 'Grosse Fuge', alongside later works by Brahms, Dohnányi, and Richard Strauss, all of whom drew inspiration from Beethoven's enduring legacy.

Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss
Following Beethoven's death 200 years ago, a torch was passed to the composers who followed him. This program highlights late works by three such musicians. Brahms returned from retirement upon discovering the clarinet, resulting in his autumnal Clarinet Quintet. Ernst von Dohnányi’s Sextet adds to his accomplished chamber music repertoire, while Richard Strauss’s Andante emerged posthumously, published twenty‐five years after his death in 1973. These three composers were instrumental in keeping Beethoven’s work impactful and resonant—Brahms as a composer, Dohnányi as a pianist, and Strauss as a conductor. A featured piece is Beethoven’s own late work: the 'Grosse Fuge', the original final movement of his String Quartet No. 13 and the pinnacle of his body of work.

Close‐up
The Concertgebouw Orchestra musicians showcase their talents in their self‐curated programs at the Recital Hall through the Close‐up chamber music series. Each concert is a one‐time exclusive performance that highlights the exceptional qualities of the orchestral musicians. Organized by the Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, these intimate concerts provide the ultimate experience for music enthusiasts.