EPISODE 185

When we listen closely to the Fifth, we hear that's it more than a museum piece, it’s a living testament to self-expression and determination. Which means that we get to decide how to honor this symphony today, whether that means taking a break from Beethoven to commission new works from underrepresented composers, bringing new audiences into the fold by staging concerts in communities outside of the concert hall, or re-writing Beethoven’s works to make them reflect our present moment.  These efforts don’t tarnish Beethoven’s legacy — in fact, they celebrates a composer who wanted to break all the rules in pursuit of a better world.

Featuring

Anthony McGill, Clarinet

Andrea Moore, Musicologist

Deborah Borda, CEO and President

David Lang, Composer

Jaap van Sweden, Conductor

Leelanee Sterett, Horn

Sherry Sylar, Oboe

Music Featured

Carlos Simon - Loop

Tania Léon - Stride

David Lang - Prisoner of the State

Recoding of Beethoven Symphony 5 by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Jaap van Sweden used by permission from Decca Gold.