«Beethovens Eroica» – Sinfoniekonzert

At the Theater an der Wien, the two third symphonies by Anton Eberl and Ludwig van Beethoven, both in E flat major, will be performed in the same concert. Afterwards it was said: "The Eberl Symphony has so much beauty and power, is treated with so much genius and art." Meanwhile, the reactions to Beethoven's new composition were mixed at best. It was described as "excessively enormous, too long and confused". The Eroica, today regarded as one of the most important pillars of classical music, violated the listening habits and expectations of the audience of the time with all its force.

The concertmaster at this first public performance was the young musician Franz Clement, who premiered his first violin concerto on the same evening with great success. A year later, he commissioned Beethoven to write a violin concerto, which was again received with moderate enthusiasm. It remained his only one and, in contrast to that of Franz Clement, is still one of the most frequently performed works of its kind. Thus, a concert of historical significance can be experienced again in Chur's Martinskirche, under the direction of Reinhard Goebel, a living legend of historical performance practice.

Cast:
Mirijam Contzen, violin
Reinhard Goebel, Conductor
Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of the Grisons

Program:
Anton Eberl (1765-1807)
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, op. 33 (1803)

Franz Joseph Clement (1780-1842)
Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major (1805)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major «Eroica», op. 55 (1803)