Pittsburgh Symphony Beethoven Project

Over the course of the next several seasons, from 2009 to 2013, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present The Beethoven Project, a traversal of all of the symphonies and concertos of Ludwig van Beethoven. As part of this series, the PSO explores some of the lesser-known works, including the recently discovered Oboe Concerto, alongside repertoire favorites such as the Symphony No. 5 and the “Emperor” Piano Concerto. At the end of years one and four, the Project is crowned with Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9.

2009-2010 Season

Beethoven’s popularity was almost immediate during his lifetime and has never waned to this day. Our exploration begins with a central theme – hearing loss and its impact on the composer. We then turn to the popular image of Beethoven as the Romantic artist of suffering and triumph, tracing its origins in the writings of his contemporaries and later generations.

With Symphony No. 9, we probe the social, cultural and political forces of Beethoven’s time and navigate the musical treasures of this iconic work.

2010-2011 Season

In year two, we take a closer look at how Beethoven painstakingly developed simple musical ideas into enduring works of art. Unlike Mozart, Beethoven toiled over drafts and sketches, which hold the key to the composer’s creative procedures.

As performer, Beethoven the pianist takes us to early 19^th century-Vienna. Learn more about the classical-era piano, Beethoven’s contributions to its development, and the rise and decline of his powers as a virtuoso pianist.

Beethoven Project Repertoire for the 2009-2010 Season:

Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

Symphony No. 9, “Choral”

Piano Concerto No. 3

Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor"

Overture to Coriolan

Beethoven Project Repertoire for the 2010-2011 Season:

Symphony No. 5

Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"

Piano Concerto No.1

Piano Concerto No. 2

Piano Concerto No. 4

Leonore Overture, No. 3

BEETHOVEN & HEARING LOSS

Beginning in his late twenties, Beethoven started to lose his hearing. Its effect on his social life was tremendous, contriburing to his isolation from those who surrounded him. The fact that he was depressed and shunned company for a time is understandable; he was also acutely aware of the implications of deafness on his career. As his performing career came to an end, Beethoven emerged as the icon of the Romantic artist of personal struggle and triumph through art.

Explore the stages of Beethoven's hearing loss through an interactive hearing simulation created in collaboration with the UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids