- The prestigious Wiener Konzerthaus has invited Jordi Savall and his orchestra, Le Concert des Nations, to present this Beethoven cycle.
Renowned conductor and viola da gamba player Jordi Savall will lead his ensemble, Le Concert des Nations, in a historic classical music event: The performance of Beethoven’s complete symphonies at the Wiener Konzerthaus using period instruments and following historical performance practices, faithfully preserving the original sound of Beethoven’s time.
This extraordinary event will take place over four concert sessions, with tickets having sold out more than a year in advance, a testament to the immense public interest in this project. For Jordi Savall and his orchestra, it is an honor to be invited by one of the world’s leading classical music venues to perform this monumental repertoire. Le Concert des Nations, known for its meticulous approach to historical interpretation, will bring Beethoven’s music to life with period instruments, offering an authentic and immersive listening experience.
Context and importance of the performance:
Beethoven marks a turning point in our musical tradition—a major change that is fully evident in this repertoire. The cycle includes some of his most monumental symphonies of the composer from Bonn: the Third, also known as the Eroica, originally dedicated to Napoleon; the unmistakable Fifth, with its famous four-note motif known as The Call of Fate; the Sixth, or Pastoral, evoking natural imagery and idyllic countryside scenes; and the Seventh, described by Richard Wagner as “the apotheosis of dance”.
But Beethoven is not just about drama and darkness; his greatest works also radiate light and optimism. The First Symphony, written in homage to his teacher Haydn, and the Second, which continues to develop the Classical legacy, are filled with freshness, originality, and joy— a clear message to his contemporaries. The Fourth, often overlooked between the Third and Fifth, possesses a delicate lyricism and an irresistibly graceful character. The Eighth, shorter and lighter, has a playful and witty tone, with a hint of irony. Finally, the Ninth, known as the Ode to Joy, concludes the cycle with a universal message of fraternity and freedom, culminating in its iconic choral finale—an exuberant cry that has become a timeless symbol of hope.
Advanced training academy:
The preparation for this cycle is part of the YOCPA project, within which Jordi Savall will lead two major advanced training academies. The first, dedicated to Symphonies 3, 5, 6, and 7, will take place in Bari, Italy, from 16th to 20th February, 2025, with 51 musicians—half of whom will be women. The subsequent concerts will be held at Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari (18th February) and the Wiener Konzerthaus (21st and 23rd February).
The second academy will take place in Austria (18th–23rd June, 2025), bringing together a total of 103 musicians, again with gender parity. The final concerts will be performed at the Wiener Konzerthaus (24th and 26th June, 2025).
The recordings of these concerts and training sessions, released by the Alia Vox label under the title Beethoven Revolution, have received international acclaim and have been nominated for multiple prestigious awards.
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