In social life, Beethoven could be a lout with his straightforward and uncensored comments – he did not have time for unnecessary flattery or obsequiousness. He had no time for anything but himself, really. He never doubted that he was the greatest of his time in music. So he was hardly a popular person and remained a bachelor for life, even though love seems to have clawed its way into him on a couple of occasions.
Maybe the reluctance and suspicion was due to growing up with a lush to father who abused him and forced him to play for his drunken friends. A tough upbringing can create a tough person. But there is also a strong humanistic trait in him with sympathies for the French Revolution’s motto, freedom, equality and brotherhood.
More about Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) grew up in Bonn with Flemish ancestry on his father’s side, which explains the word “van” in the name (Beethoven is a Flemish / Dutch combination of the words “beta” and “farm”). When he moved to Vienna, he soon became known as a piano virtuoso, then as a composer.
He was a real freemason who never had a job – the money came from patrons, clients and benefactors. He could put some income in his pocket at his own concerts. There he could, for example, play the Imperial Concert or conduct the Third and Ninth Symphonies – real milestones in music history.
There is sometimes talk of two types of artists among the giants in the world of music: the traditionalists who refine and perfect an existing style or era (Bach, Mozart) and the revolutionaries who break new ways where no one has gone before (Wagner, Stravinsky). And there is no doubt that Beethoven is one of the latter.
Beethoven with Ava Bahari
Gothenburg’s own violin star Ava Bahari is back, presenting a heartfelt and engaging programme together with pianist Nathanaël Gouin. Among other works, we hear Beethoven’s challenging Kreutzer Sonata.
Prokofiev with Peter Jablonski
Star pianist Peter Jablonski returns for a guest performance with the Gothenburg Symphony. This time, one of Prokofiev’s most demanding and playful piano concertos is in his brilliant hands. Beethoven's Eroica concludes.
Swedish Chamber Orchestra & Janine Jansen
Two global stars take the stage when the Swedish Chamber Orchestra perform. Janine Jansen presents Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 before Martin Fröst leads the orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.
Family Concert: In Search of Sunshine
A mystery about everyday joys – the light that takes you from one day to the next. With the help of a string quartet from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Beethoven, we will go in search of the light that has disappeared. From age 6.
Beethoven Violin Concerto
Experience two moving, boldly vibrant masterpieces: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Pictures at an Exhibition. Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai is back with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in the company of conductor Kahchun Wong.
Mozart & Beethoven up close
Hear Mozart’s effervescent Oboe Quartet and dramatic string trios from Beethoven. Musicians from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra present chamber music that moves from tight clarity to expansive romance.
Víkingur Ólafsson plays Bach & Beethoven
Follow along to a dreamy landscape together with Icelandic star pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. The great masters of classical music are presented through a heartfelt selection from Ólafsson’s latest solo album, Opus 109.
Symfonic Fairy Tales
Enjoy stories with golden frame as the Gothenburg Symphony perform a newly composed cello concerto by Mats Larsson Gothe. To conclude, we hear the romantic suite Scheherazade, in which each instrument brings the story to life.
Berliner Philharmoniker & Leif Ove Andsnes
The world’s most famous symphony orchestra performs in Gothenburg. Under the baton of chief conductor Kirill Petrenko, Berliner Philharmoniker and pianist Leif Ove Andsnes present Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto.
On the Road with Byström & Beethoven
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and conductor Pekka Kuusisto conclude the season with power and energy. We hear Britta Byström’s colourful orchestral adventure and celebrate Beethoven’s anniversary with the life-affirming Symphony No. 7.
Listen
The playlist is loaded with immortal favorites by Beethoven. Which of them will be your favorite?
The composers behind the most famous masterpieces
Take the opportunity to get to know some of the composers behind the most famous classical masterpieces and listen to their music. Maybe it will be the start of a lifelong friendship.
