Événement

Beethoven 250th Birthday Celebration!

With all the uncertainty about future events we are suspending ticket sales for this event.

The year 2020 marks the 250th birthday of Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 1827). We honor the span of his creative life with two different fortepianos representing the middle and late periods of his musical style. UC Berkeley Music Professor Nicholas Mathew will perform Beethoven pieces from these periods, with a thoughtful and historically informed performance practice.

The earlier piano is a replica of an 1800 model by the Schanz brothers. The instrument is part of UCSCs collection, and is lightweight, with a range of 5 1/3 octaves. UC Berkeley contributes the second instrument, a reconstruction of Conrad Grafs 1820 model -- a somewhat heavier and larger piano, with a range of 6 1/2 octaves.

Beethovens style evolved significantly over the course of his life, in a way that influenced the course of musical culture. Equally influential was the piano itself, whose rapid transformations during the early 19th century not only reflected composers changing musical values but also made new musical thoughts possible. To trace the intertwined development of Beethovens music and that of the piano is our inspiration for this concert.

A joint presentation by Santa Cruz Baroque Festival, Distinguished Artists Concert Series, and UCSC Music Department. Proceeds will benefit equally the three collaborating presenters. Thanks to the UCSC Division of the Arts for their generous support.

A pre-concert talk will be held 45 minutes prior to the concert.