Leonore

Beethoven struggles to put on his first-ever opera as the French army advances relentlessly on Vienna.

This week, Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years of 1804-1806; the beginning of what many commentators have called his ‘heroic’ phase. Beethoven had put behind him the profound psychological crisis, triggered by his failing hearing, and now throws himself into his composing with renewed energy and strength of spirit. However, that same passionate nature also leads to frequent conflicts.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

Leonore (1806 version) Act 1, “O wär ich schon mit dir vereint”
Christine Neithardt-Barbaux, soprano (Marzelline)
Orchestra of the Beethovenhalle Bonn
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

Piano Sonata No 22 in F Op 54 (mvts. I & II)
Paul Lewis, piano

Leonore (1806 version) Act II, Quartet “Er sterbe!”
Pamela Coburn, soprano (Leonore)
Mark Baker, tenor (Forestan)
Jean-Philippe Lafont, baritone (Don Pizarro)
Victor von Halem, bass (Rocco)
Orchestra of the Beethovenhalle Bonn
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

Violin Sonata Op 12 No 1, II. Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
Jennifer Pike, violin
Daniel Tong, piano

Leonore (1806 version) Act II, Duet “O namenlose Freude!”
Pamela Coburn, soprano (Leonore)
Mark Baker, tenor (Forestan)
Orchestra of the Beethovenhalle Bonn
Conducted by Marc Soustrot

Leonore Overture No 3 Op 72b
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
Conducted by Kurt Masur