Franz Welser-Möst & Leif Ove Andsnes
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When Beethoven wrote his Fifth Piano Concerto in 1809, Vienna was under siege by Napoleon’s army. The war not only threatened Beethoven’s livelihood – the din of battle was also reflected in his composition. “What a destructive, desolate existence surrounds me! Nothing but drums, cannons, and all kinds of human misery,” he exclaimed, distilling from this experience surprisingly heroic and peaceful moments. Written almost one hundred years later, Strauss’ tone poem depicting family life provides a contrasting atmosphere: while it stands somewhat in the shadow of great blockbusters such as “Heldenleben,” it still allows listeners to experience all of Strauss’ captivating expressive palette during a performance. There is hardly anyone more ideal for this task than Franz Welser-Möst.
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