Bicentenary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, World Heritage Site

he Astral Theater It is preparing to be a stage for a historical commemoration: Bicentenary of the premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony “Corals”, one of the most important milestones in the history of music. This concert is scheduled for Tuesday May 7, It promises an unforgettable night where classical music merges with innovative music appreciation techniques. The direction of this presentation will be responsible for Marcelo Arceknown for its unique approach to musical communication.

The Ninth Symphony, premiered in 1824, represents not only a high point in music’s career Beethoven But it also symbolizes a strong message of brotherhood and joy through its famous fourth movement Ode to joy. This year, the piece reaches its bicentenary, an occasion that will be celebrated by the whole world.

The show will not only tour the entire symphony, but will also focus specifically on “Ode to Joy,” exploring the musical structure and the messages it conveys. Beethoven intertwined in his work. In addition to the explanation, Maple Will offer ideas Based on his extensive research into this symphony, and his engagement with the public’s curiosity and the historical context surrounding its creation. This approach aims to demystify classical music, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge of the subject.

Input Beethoven Music does not stop at technical innovation or expansion of the symphonic repertoire; His legacy also includes giving a deeply human touch to art and inviting listeners to it “Feel” Beyond the technical aspects. “It doesn’t require anything technical from us. We are asked to “feel.” Without us realizing it, it “involves” us. It’s “immersive”Arce defines, and emphasizes, this immersive quality of Beethoven’s music.

In addition to live music, attendees will be able to enjoy advanced audio-visual technologies, including a giant screen displaying the main parts of the symphony performed by the legendary Herbert von Karajan. This method of music appreciation is a registered trademark of Marcelo Arcewhich since 1975 has sought to bring classical music to the general public through an entertaining and educational form.

The selection of the Ninth Symphony for this event is no coincidence. Recognized as a “World Heritage Site” Considered the universal anthem of freedom, the work has been a symbol of unity and hope over the years. Its premiere, held in Vienna, marked a before-and-after in the musical panorama, and had the distinction of being the first symphony to incorporate human voices into its orchestral composition, thus uniting instrumental music with choral singing in a way never before done.

In order to connect with a wider audience, the show will also include elements of popular and contemporary music, demonstrating the influence and importance of Beethoven’s works in various musical genres. Of entertainment by bands such as Deep purple To adapt his melodies into popular songs, the aim is to show how Beethoven’s legacy is still alive and constantly evolving.

– How was your experience in preparing a presentation for this important date?

The importance of the show is undeniable. In 2022, the Beethoven International House in the German city of Bonn, the maestro’s birthplace, organized a global celebration in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of the premiere of the Ninth Symphony on May 7, 1824 in Vienna. They have given me an exclusive in Argentina to join this global celebration. It is an event in which all the major theaters and orchestras of the world participate, paying homage in some way to this masterpiece of Beethoven. This represents the teacher 200 years of work that transformed music It has long been proclaimed the anthem of humanity and the anthem of world peace.

-What makes Beethoven’s Ninth so special?

—Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony They have characteristics that stand out and make them relevant to everyday life, even though we often don’t realize it. This work resonates deeply with Argentines. It begins by narrating the fate and tragedy of human beings searching for solace in nature and love. The second part deals with the theme of power and oppression, while the third movement is a reflection in which Beethoven declares: “I recognize God in nature and nature in God.” The fourth movement with the famous “Ode to joy“, quoted from a poem by L Friedrich Schiller, reaches its peak. Beethoven composed this tune when he was twenty-one years old in his native Bonn, inspired by the libertarian text that calls for freedom as a fundamental right.

When Beethoven premiered the Ninth Symphony, he was already completely deaf. One story reveals his insistence on giving the first show from the stage even though he could not hear the music. During rehearsal, the conductor ordered the musicians to follow him instead of Beethoven. The premiere was historic, as it was the first time a symphony had included such a large orchestra. The audience’s applause was so overwhelming that it lasted five rounds of applause. Although he could not hear the praise, when someone touched him on the shoulder to tell him to turn around, Beethoven stood up and cried hard.

– What characteristics will be highlighted in this concert honoring Beethoven?

-The screen will take up the entire stage, and it will be very impressive. A significant new event will be a showcase of a historical moment: the performance of Leonard Bernstein and the Berlin Philharmonic’s Ninth Symphony after the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall in 1989, in honor of Herbert von Karajan, who died that year and achieved great accomplishment. Bernstein’s friend. My show, which I call “Musical Appreciation” and which I have been performing for almost 50 years, has the main goal of discovering with the audience the nuances and essence of the work I present, in simple, non-technical language.

Show how Deep Purple artists performed “Ode to Joy,” while Beethoven’s face was displayed in neon above them, illuminated as young people surrendered to the music. The research for this show led to a letter from a childhood friend of Beethoven’s, revealing the profound loneliness he experienced due to lack of love and money and his isolation due to deafness. It is important to highlight this At the time of release there was no copyright; Income came from proceeds from performances or the sale of sheet music.

– How do you plan to attract all types of audiences to your show and keep them interested?

– Classical music, or as I prefer to call it, classical music, It is for everyone and easily accessibleThere is no reason to fear him. My show is neither a traditional concert, nor a master class, let alone a conference. I do this dynamically, setting the pace and providing clarifications as we continually explore the entire work. During the presentation, I share anecdotes, we make people laugh, cry, and even ask questions. Everything I say is in sync with the visuals, thus creating a dynamic experience between the screen and the audience, which is most important to us.

Over the years, I have seen great response and growth from the audience. In my presentation, I avoid any technical language and make sure everyone understands, even asking “Are you guys okay?” To make sure no one gets lost. My approach is to tell a musical storyWhen I write my 80+ page screenplay, I do it as if it were a story. This is the key. Attracting young people is possible, you just have to know how to do it.

* Ode to Joy – Marcello Arce Concert – Discover and describe Beethoven. Ninth Choral Symphony Shows Tuesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. At the Teatro Astral (Avenida Corrientes 1639, CABA)

[Fotos: gentileza Prensa Pablo Tomaselli]