MUSIC

Brilliantly Beethoven
A Testament to Creative Freedom

Jung-Ho Pak, Conductor
Awadagin Pratt, Piano

Ludwig van Beethoven
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Concerto No. 4 in G major for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 58
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Brilliant and brazen, Beethoven found ingenious ways to break from the constraints of the formal outlines that were the norm. In the Egmont Overture the innovative composer constructs an unconventional close punctuated by the shimmering sound of the piccolo. Conversely he opens his Piano Concerto No. 4 with an atypical, unaccompanied introduction from the piano superbly played by the acclaimed – and unconventional pianist – Awadagin Pratt. An exceptional balance of musical technique and passionate sentiment, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is a testament to creative freedom.

Awadagin Pratt, Piano
Described as playing with "firepower" as well as "lyrical finesse," Awadagin Pratt garners enthusiastic responses from his audiences. Named one of the 50 Leaders of Tomorrow by Ebony magazine, Awadagin Pratt is the winner of the 1992 Naumburg International Piano Competition and a 1994 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Recently Pratt performed at the White House at the invitation of the President and Mrs. Obama.

“Pratt challenges the establishment and fans alike, forcing them to rethink the way music is perceived and heard.”