Beethoven, the Man and the Music

This intimate concert will open with members of the Eastern Sierra Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s early work for winds, the Octet in E-flat, Opus 103. Pianist, Stephen Beus, will perform 15 Variations and Fugue in E-flat Major, Opus 35, the “Eroica” Variations, a composition illustrating the creative independence of the young composer. Beethoven’s String Quartet in E flat Major, Opus 74, “The Harp”, composed shortly after his Fifth Symphony, will be performed by the principle string players of the Eastern Sierra Symphony Orchestra. Maria Newman and Scott Hosfield/ violins, Andrew Pickens/viola, and Leighton Fong/cello. The audience can expect to be entertained as well as educated with Charles Scatolini’s dramatic narrative perspective on the life and times of Ludwig van Beethoven, his personal struggles and triumphs, as well as insights into the music performed in this evening’s concert.