Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Performs Beethoven's Symphony 'Fate'

July 3-4 at Lotte Concert Hall: From 'Leonore Overture No. 3' to 'Dumbarton Oaks Concerto'

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (Seoul Phil) will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 "Fate" at Lotte Concert Hall on July 3-4.

The concert will be conducted by Seoul Phil’s principal guest conductor Markus Stenz. Before the performance of "Fate," the first half will feature Beethoven's "Leonore Overture No. 3" and Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks Concerto."

Beethoven composed several overtures for his only opera, "Fidelio," among which "Leonore Overture No. 3" is regarded as the largest in scale and the most accomplished masterpiece. "Leonore Overture No. 3" is now a prominent part of major concert repertoires and is sometimes inserted as an interlude in the second act of "Fidelio" opera performances.

Beethoven originally completed Fidelio as a three-act opera and premiered it in early 1805. The opera was initially titled "Leonore." After two revisions, it was finalized as a two-act opera and retitled "Fidelio." The opera premiered in 1805, with revised versions performed in 1806 and the final version in 1814. The overtures performed in sequence during these versions are called "Leonore Overture No. 2," "Leonore Overture No. 3," and "Fidelio Overture." After the revised performances, Beethoven attempted to stage Fidelio in Prague instead of Vienna in 1807, composing the overture known as "Leonore Overture No. 1" at that time.

Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks Concerto" was composed during his trip to the United States at the request of the Bliss couple. In early 1937, while traveling in the U.S., Stravinsky met Robert Woods Bliss, a wealthy former Argentine ambassador, and his wife. The Bliss couple owned a beautiful garden estate near Georgetown, Washington D.C., named "Dumbarton Oaks." Once used as the U.S. Vice President’s residence, the Bliss couple purchased the estate in 1920, renovated it, and decorated the "Music Room" and gardens, collecting various artworks and books to create a library and museum. The Bliss couple commissioned Stravinsky to compose a chamber orchestra piece to be performed in the Music Room to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, resulting in the creation of the "Dumbarton Oaks Concerto."

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony "Fate" is a masterpiece that revolutionized symphonic history through its intense dramatic development. "Fate" is considered to most effectively and clearly embody Beethoven’s unique motto, "Through darkness and hardship to light and joy!" The first movement, in particular, appears to vividly reflect Beethoven’s desperate struggle against numerous adversities throughout his life, including hearing loss, social barriers, and political turmoil.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Seoul Phil plans to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between performers during the concert. Each string player will use an individual music stand, and transparent soundproof panels and personal droplet protection hygiene containers will be placed around wind instrument players. The audience seating will implement a "distanced seating system" to ensure spacing between attendees, and all entrants to the venue will be required to undergo temperature checks and wear masks.

Seoul Phil also plans another regular concert at Lotte Concert Hall on July 9-10, conducted by Stenz. The program for July 9-10 includes Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral," and Kurt?g’s "In a Fantasy Style." Pianist Heeyeon Choi will join the stage for "In a Fantasy Style."