The Cleveland Orchestra
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano

SCHNITTKE – Concerto for Piano and Strings
BEETHOVEN – String Quartet No. 10 (“Harp”) (for string orchestra)

For this broadcast, a pair of pieces reflects the sensibilities of two very different centuries. Schnittke’s virtuosic and bravura concerto is performed by Yefim Bronfman, a Cleveland favorite, playing music filled with wry humor and Shostakovich-inspired sarcasm and beauty. For this performance, Beethoven’s “Harp” quartet is expanded to an orchestra of strings, showcasing The Cleveland Orchestra’s extraordinary ensemble work and artistry. (The harp nickname comes from plucked pizzicato sections in the first movement, but only hint at the beautiful verse-like melodies throughout this piece.)