The Art of Piano. Ivari Ilja

Conductor: Arvo Volmer
Soloist: Ivari Ilja (piano)
Estonian National Opera Orchestra

PROGRAMME
Ekki-Sven Tüür. “Epitaph” (Hommage à Anton Bruckner)
Johannes Brahms. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
Ludwig van Beethoven. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major (“Eroica”)

The concert series “The Art of Piano” organised in collaboration between the SA Postimees Foundation and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, brings to the stage internationally renowned pianists performing exquisite and virtuosic piano music from various eras. The series aims to reveal the beauty of piano artistry in all its diversity and richness, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy masterpieces from the golden repertoire of piano music, interpreted by distinguished pianists.

The soloist of the concert is Ivari Ilja, one of Estonia’s most exceptional and memorable pianists. In addition to his solo career, he is a highly esteemed chamber musician, ensemble partner, and pedagogue. The Estonian National Opera Orchestra has earned a special place in Estonia’s orchestral landscape with its sensitive and flexible sound culture and dynamic energy.

Erkki-Sven Tüür: ““Epitaph” is like a concentrate of my subjective Bruckner impressions. Shortly before the end, a rhythmic quote from the second movement of the 9th Symphony also appears, this is the only concrete clue. In other respects, it is possible to perceive certain “Brucknerisms” in the orchestral treatment in the broadest sense, but always through my personal prism.“

The orchestral work premiered on June 10, 2023, at St. Florian Monastery (Stift St. Florian Basilica) in Austria. This church houses Bruckner’s organ, which the composer played while working there as an organist, and the church is also where he is buried. The piece, written as a tribute to the great Austrian symphonist Anton Bruckner (1824–1896), was performed by the Bruckner Orchestra Linz under the direction of Markus Poschner.

Johannes Brahms is one of the most renowned composers of the Romantic era, valuing both tradition and innovation. He did not favour programmatic music, nor did he tolerate pathos or excessive effects. His music is deeply lyrical, expressing secret desires, warmth of feeling, and inner turmoil. His First Piano Concerto is a monumental work with profound emotional depth and dramatic structure. Composed over several years (1854–1858), it reflects Brahms’ personal and artistic struggles, including the impact of his close friend and mentor Robert Schumann’s mental decline.

Beethoven’s Third Symphony, composed between 1803 and 1804, has long been regarded as one of the most significant works in classical music. This symphony stands out for its innovative structural techniques, which were revolutionary for its time. A well-known legend surrounds the piece: Beethoven initially dedicated it to Napoleon Bonaparte, but later withdrew the dedication.

Organised by Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in cooperation with Postimees Fund and Estonian National Opera.