2024 OCTOBER | MUSICAL THEATRE MONOLOGUE

Beethoven and his immortal beloved

In love, rejected, nights of passion and catastrophes. Renowned composer Ludwig Van Beethoven had an eventful love story with Josephine von Brunsvik, a noble piano pupil whom he never got to marry. The love story ended tragically with Josephine's death in 1821.

"Beethoven's Immortal Beloved" is a musical theatre monologue narrated by renowned Flemish conductor and Beethoven biographer Jan Caeyers. He portrays Beethoven as a sensitive and vulnerable artist who transformed his deepest emotions and feelings into the most beautiful music.

The narrative is interwoven with excerpts from well-known piano sonatas (the Pathétique, the Mondschein, the Appassionata), played by Piet Kuijken, one of today's leading Flemish pianists. In addition, the audience will also be able to discover unknown but attractive piano pieces by Beethoven. A unique musical narrative in the context of the beautifully restored Predikherenkerk in Mechelen.

Program

OVERTURE
Marcia Funèbre, Sonata in A major, op. 26

THE MEETING WITH JOSEPHINE
Bagatelle in D-Dur, op. 119 no 3

JOSEPHINE'S FIRST MARRIAGE
Adagio cantabile, Sonata in c, op. 13 (Pathétique)

BEETHOVEN & VON DEYM
Bagatelle in A, op. 19 no 10

IN LOVE AGAIN
Musik für eine Flötenuhr, WoO 33, no 3

THE REJECTION
Andante favori in F, WoO 57

FÜR THERESE
Allegro ma non troppo, Sonata in f, op. 57 (Appassionata)

JOSEPHINE'S SECOND MARRIAGE
Bagatelle in a, WoO 59 (Für Elise)

A WILD NIGHT
Bagatelle in As, op. 19 no 5

THE DISASTER
Adagio sostenuto, Sonata in cis no 2, op. 27 (Mondschein)

MINONA?
Moderator cantabile molto espressivo, Sonata in As, op. 110

THE END
Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile, Sonta in c, op. 111

• Jan Caeyers (narrator) and Piet Kuijken (pianist)