Mitsuko Uchida plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 | Decoding Shostakovich

Andris Nelsons, conductor
Mitsuko Uchida, piano

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
-Intermission-
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 15

Mitsuko Uchida has, from an early age, been considered a standout interpreter of Beethoven. The Fourth is considered the first of Beethoven’s piano concertos to depart from the format prescribed by Mozart (an orchestral introduction with a dramatic solo entrance). The concerto’s opening lets the instrument speak for itself — intimately and delicately so—to lead the way for the rest of the ensemble. Shostakovich’s Fifteenth Symphony is his last symphony and is full of quotations, codes, clues, and ambiguity. This is an experience defying description that invites the listener to create their own personal interpretation.

Corporate support for Thursday evening's concert is generously provided by Hemenway & Barnes.

Friday afternoon’s performance by Mitsuko Uchida is generously supported by the Nathan R. Miller Family Guest Artist Fund.