Igudesman: "Beethoven & More" with Symphony Orchestra
Channel: Aleksey Igudesman
Date: 2023-03-21

How does Igudesman bring  18th century pieces into the 21st century? Let’s take a look.

Welcome to "Beethoven & More", Aleksey Igudesman's incredible transformation of some famous themes by Beethoven.

In a remarkable musical journey, Aleksey takes the famous tune from Beethoven's 9th symphony, an iconic work of classical music, and brings it to life in fresh and unexpected ways.

Beethoven's 9th is one of the cornerstones of the classical music repertoire and a symbol of joy, hope and brother and sisterhood. At its core is the poem by Friedrich Schiller, which speaks of a shared humanity regardless of our differences.

Aleksey has taken this message to heart and creates a stunning experience, weaving together the different versions from all over the world, from Africa to South-America and India, to create a unique global interpretation that celebrates our shared humanity.

By experimenting with different harmonies, rhythms and textures, Aleksey transports us from continent to continent, showing us how music really does break down boundaries, unifying us as one people and one family.

He also shows us how the same tune can be interpreted in numerous ways, forming the basis of a truly captivating musical experience that pays tribute to Beethoven and Schiller's original themes of joy and unity.

This is a truly special performance and a spellbinding journey that you won't want to miss. Join Aleksey Igudesman as he takes us on a remarkable exploration of what it means to be part of humanity, one great big family.

In Igudesman’s version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, he takes the classic work and transforms it into a 5/4 beat as opposed to the original 4/4 beat. The result is an upbeat and fun version of this iconic piece that remains faithful to the original while adding a contemporary sound.

In "Für Elise", Igudesman has added elements of electronic music, giving it an entirely new sound. He achieves a perfect balance between the classic version and a modern interpretation, making it accessible to listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

The work of Aleksey Igudesman is truly remarkable in that he manages to stay faithful to the spirit of Beethoven’s works while adding a unique touch of his own. His pieces exist in the happy middle ground between classic and modern composition.

It’s comforting to know that even centuries after his death, Beethoven’s works are still inspiring people like Igudesman to create new and exciting works that stand up to the test of time.