Concord & Hammerklavier • Ives & Beethoven, Marc-André Hamelin

In the organizer's words:

A concert experience of extremes - the Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin has chosen two monuments of piano literature: the 'Concord Sonata' by Charles Ives and the 'Hammerklavier Sonata' by Ludwig van Beethoven. Two colossal worlds collide here. Even for an exceptional pianist like Hamelin, this is an enormous challenge.

Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier Sonata', which pianists describe as a "dangerous journey on a razor's edge", is not only one of the longest piano sonatas in music history, it also demands everything from the player - technically, emotionally, mentally and physically. Hamelin combines this "hammer piece" with Charles Ives' 'Concord Sonata', which is also one of those crazy musical monuments that are very rarely heard. It is a groundbreaking work of piano music that is considered one of the boldest and most visionary works of modernism.

Inspired by the literary-philosophical movement of the Transcendentalists around Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, Ives explores the vastness of the American spirit. With hymn-like sounds and chaotic outbursts, Ives expresses a deep longing for freedom and individuality. It is a visionary work in which Ives foresaw the future of 20th century music in 1915.

Program

Charles Ives
Piano Sonata No. 2 'Concord Sonata'

Intermission

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major op. 106 'Hammerklavier Sonata'

More information → kunstfestspiele.de/concord

Accompanying program
Closing party
Sun 08.06. / after the performance
Festival Center (Free admission)

Venue Galerie Herrenhausen, Herrenhäuser Straße 3a, 30419 Hanover
Duration 2 h, with intermission

Accessibility
Visually impaired event / Access to the gallery and festival center is barrier-free. Tickets for wheelchair-accessible seating and accompaniment in the gallery are available at HAZ & NP advance booking offices.

Price information:

21 / 35 / 45 euros, concessions from 10.50 euros (plus fees)