Beethoven Day

 

Though there is no hard historical evidence proving that today is Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday… ye old fount of knowledge, wikipedia, informs me that it is the 16 that is typically celebrated as his date of birth. It’s been quite a Beethoven couple of months for me, actually:  I went to a performance of his 9th Symphony in September with my friend Rachel, and Jennifer and I recently saw Houston Grand Opera’s performance of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio— a first for me!

SO!!! In much the same vein as my previous Bach birthday post here are a couple of my favorite usages  and machinations of Beethoven’s music:

 

The opening titles to one of my top favorite movies, The Fall (Symphony No. 7, 2nd Mvt.)

 

 

In my ongoing series to eventually post all clips from both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 (Symphony No. 5, 1st Mvt.)

 

And finally, since we haven’t heard from La Voce herself (Mizzzzz Renee Fleming), I figure now is as appropriate a time as any for a video of her singing an arrangement of “My Funny Valentine” set to Beethoven’s “Moonlight” sonata.

 

 

Artist: Andrew Lippa / Album: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

Oh Be Joyful

 

A couple of weeks ago my friend, Rachael, invited me to go to the opening night of the Houston Symphony’s 2011/12 season.  More specifically it was Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (aka: Ode to Joy), which I had never seen in live performance!! This was also a chance to check off another venue from my “Places to See Concerts in Houston” list (having already gone to the Wortham, Alley Theater, Verizon Theater, and Fitzgeralds).  This year I’m hoping to make it to the ballet to knock another one off… any takers?

 

Getting prepped!

 

Here is the full symphony if you are interested in listening/watching.  Conductor Leonard Bernstein leads the Vienna Philharmonic with soloists Gwyneth Jones, Shirley Verrett, Placido Domingo, and Martti Talvela.  (This is actually the third of three clips but it’s the finale… watch all of them if you have the time though!)  

 

Rachel and I after the show!

 

And, because I still listen to this song about once a week, a different arrangement of the above music… and in my opinion, a much more technically demanding version to boot.  I mean, did Beethoven ever write a rap?  Check and mate.

 

Sheryl Lee Ralph! Lauryn Hill! Sign language! Jaw tension! Gospel music!  And that’s just in the first ten seconds alone!!!

 

Artist: Frank Wildhorn/ Album: The Civil War