Beethoven

We took my mom and H to hear an all-Beethoven concert last Sunday. 

It was initially supposed to be Yefim Bronfman and Schumann's Piano Concerto, followed by Beethoven's Symphony #4 in B-flat major. Then, the first part of the program was changed to Beethoven's Piano Concerto #5 in E-flat major (The Emperor). 

And then Bronfman pulled out because of an injury and Garrick Ohlsson was to perform instead.

I headed into the concert hall with low expectations. As much as I enjoy Beethoven, I really wasn't super excited about 2 orchestral pieces in major keys. I am not a fan of happy music. I love dark, dramatic, emotional, turbulent, depressing stuff. 

Well... I absolutely loved the concert. Turned out, I was in dire need of something at least slightly positive (and Beethoven's music is never all-happy, there's plenty of drama there). Beethoven performed by Philadelphia Orchestra, with amazing acoustics - that was an absolute treat. The conductor was fantastic. 

Also, I absolutely loved Ohlsson's performance. He was truly phenomenal. He had such control and precision. It's been a long time since I've heard a piano performance that was so... powerful and energizing. And then he did an encore - Debussy (Claire de Lune) - and it was mesmerizing. The entire concert hall was holding breath.

This was H's first time attending a full-length grown-up symphony concert. She was slightly bored but did not complain. Classical music is not her thing, but I do want to make sure she is exposed to it at least on occasion. Plus, she plays the piano - so I am hoping hearing a professional pianist of that caliber would give her some perspective. I know I also need to find a jazz/blues performance to take her to - that would probably be a better fit.

What type of music to you tend to gravitate to? Do you have a preference for minor (sad) or major (happy) melodies?