Igor Levit - Ode to Joy (from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, )

Official Music video by Igor Levit performing Ode to Joy (from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, ) Listen here Subscribe to Igor Levit’s official Youtube channel here: Igor Levit plays the “Ode to Joy” theme from the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as well as its first three variations in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary. The sonorous piano version dates back to Franz Liszt, whose transcriptions of the Beethoven symphonies Levit has long studied and admired. The pianist, who calls himself a “Citizen, European, Pianist” on his website, has often played the almost four-minute excerpt as a highly symbolic encore - such as his performance of the piece at the 2017 “First Night of the Proms” in London’s Royal Albert Hall, which was understood as a decidedly pro-European statement. Levit’s social awareness and will to take political stances combine with the love of Beethoven’s universal music in the musical passage of just over 100 measures. It is not known on exactly what day Beethoven was born in Bonn 250 years ago. What is certain is only that he was baptised on 17 December 1770. In 2020 there has been all too little to celebrate for the music world and the natural culminating moment of the anniversary year has been largely abandoned. “Seid umschlungen, Millionen” (Be embraced, millions)? This is certainly not a good idea in times of social distancing. Now Levit brings an extremely popular piece of music into focus, which under normal circumstances, would be performed at this time of year by extensive orchestral forces at many venues around the world. Video producer: Boris Fromageot CONNECT WITH IGOR LEVIT: ► Website & Tour Dates: ► Twitter: ► Instagram: CONNECT WITH SONY CLASSICAL: ► Website: ► Facebook: ► Instagram: ► Twitter: ► Youtube: #IgorLevit #Beethoven #OdeToJoy