As the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra approaches the close of its season, maestra Marin Alsop’s blend of musical guest stars presenting the masterpieces of star composers reaches its zenith.
If you go
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Barber, Bartok & Beethoven
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30 to $90; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
The highly anticipated appearance of one of the world’s greatest pianists, Andre Watts performs Beethoven’s last and greatest “Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” on Saturday at the Music Center at Strathmore. “Part of my programming philosophy is to offer a strong blend of the well-known masterpieces alongside works that are less familiar,” Alsop said.
Watts performs the “Emperor,” his signature piano piece, in a return engagement with the BSO and the visit has prompted Alsop herself to comment, “I’m thrilled with the caliber of soloists [we] have.”
Born in 1946 in Nurnberg Germany, Watts, the son of an African-American soldier and a Hungarian mother, made his debut at a Philadelphia Orchestra children’s concert at the age of nine. At age 16, he was performing on television under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. Television continued to play a part in his career when, in 1976, he performed the first live broadcast of a solo recital in history.
A graduate of Peabody Institute, Watts was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl of Fame in 2006 which celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto is one of the most dynamic and popular works in the entire classical music repertoire. It premiered in 1808 and after a successful performance in 1810 became an audience favorite. Andre Watts’ performance on the concerto has prompted many to call him “prince of the piano.”
“It’s always such a pleasure to welcome back pianist Andre Watts. His instinctive musicality coupled with a fearsome technique always produce electric performances, and we are sure to expect no less in Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto,” Paul Meecham, symphony president and CEO, said.
Also on the evening’s program is Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” Hauntingly beautiful in melody, it is commonly referred to as America’s national funeral music and was played at the funeral services of both Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Avid film fans will recognize it featured in the Academy Award-winning film “Platoon.”
Finally, Bela Bartok’s “Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta” will be presented. It is a piece described by Bartok scholar Halsey Stevens as “so spontaneous and communicative that only the rare listener is likely to be aware of its complexities.
