Mariss Jansons and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Present US Premieres of Works By Jörg Widmann and Rodion Shchedrin

This month the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra treats audiences in its triple date Carnegie Hall visit with two US premieres: Jörg Widmann's orchestral overture Con Brio on March 13 and Rodion Shchedrin's Beethoven's Heiligenstädter Testament on March 15. Premiered by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Mariss Jansons this past September, Widmann's Con Brio is an homage to the Beethoven symphonies, particularly the 7th and 8th with which the piece was paired in its premiere program. Jens F. Laurson writes in Music Web International of the premiere:

Although he says that he didn't quote a single note from Beethoven, the work teems with quasi quotations that may not be literal, but remind every listener exactly which composer is receiving a tribute here. These familiar chords first rip through the introductory hiss of the woodwinds' toneless blowing and they return throughout the work - as repetition, in addition to contrast and musical blocks, is the most evident element Widmann employs.

The greatest achievement of Con brio might be the combination of a conventional treatment of the orchestra and its instrumental sections, and conventional beauty rearing its head throughout - without ever sounding as though it pandered to the conservative audience.

Rodion Shchedrin's Beethoven's Heiligenstädter Testament, premiered by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in December of 2008, also sees its US premiere on March 15 at Carnegie Hall. Both works are the result of the BRSO's commissioning series of new works dedicated to Beethoven.

• Jörg Widmann composer profile
• Rodion Shchedrin composer profile

Jörg Widmann
Con Brio (2008)
for orchestra
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12'

Rodion Shchedrin
Beethoven's Heiligenstädter Testament (2008)
symphonic fragment for orchestra
pic.2.2.2.2-3.2.3.0-perc-str
12'