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March 21, 2008
Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra to explore Beethoven's 'Eroica'
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
The concert, titled "The Eroica Effect: Inside Beethoven's Third Symphony," is presented by Purdue Convocations and is the last performance in a three-part Convocations series called "Listening to Ludwig: Beethoven Masterworks Revealed."
Using a concert format that includes a combination of commentary, demonstration and musical illustration, Manze will explore the finer points of the 'Eroica' Symphony, offering the audience a deeper understanding of and fresh appreciation for the work before the 60-member orchestra performs the work in its entirety.
Through words and music, the program will examine some of the music that inspired Beethoven, analyze his own earlier pieces that hint at the greatness to come and ponder the effect that 'Eroica' had on other composers, said Todd Wetzel, director of Purdue Convocations.
Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony is considered to be one of the greatest and most important symphonies ever written, Wetzel said. Completed in 1804 in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the symphony tackles broad themes of life, death, conflict and valor. The work, often referred to as simply "Heroic" in Italian, was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and is celebrated for its passion and innovation.
"This piece sounds wonderful," said Manze in a recent interview. "It's very dramatic. It's very accessible. It's enormous fun. It's as close as you can get to a drama on stage. By all measures, it is a masterpiece."
Wetzel said the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra is one of Scandinavia's most innovative orchestras and is renowned for its clear, expressive sound in performances of music from the classical and romantic periods as well as contemporary music. The orchestra works on a regular basis with internationally celebrated conductors and soloists.
Through his work as conductor, violinist and broadcaster, Manze has become known for the energy and insight he brings to a range of music. As a conductor, he has a wide range of expertise from the baroque through classical and increasingly 19th and 20th century repertoire, Wetzel said. As a violinist, Manze specializes in music from 1610 to 1830. He also teaches, edits and writes about music, and broadcasts regularly on radio and television.
Manze was associate director of the Academy of Ancient Music from 1996 to 2003 and artistic director of The English Concert from 2003-07. Since the 2006-07 season, he has been principal conductor of the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra and also holds the title of artist in residence with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra.
As a guest conductor, Manze is in growing demand throughout Europe and the United States. He has regular relationships with a number of leading orchestras including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra,
Tickets are $10-25 for adults and $10 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster outlets.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: Kerry Schutt Nason, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, (765) 494-5045, knason@purdue.edu
Todd Wetzel, director of Purdue Convocations, (765) 494-9712, tewetzel@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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