A heroic concert indeed. Beethoven’s famed Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” composed when he was deaf, is a stunning example of Beethoven’s stubborn nature. He overcame his liability to create a work of unprecedented depth and expression. The adagio is simply sublime. “The concerto encapsulates the heroic struggle of the individual,’’ says TFO Music Director Michael Francis, “and how one determined soul can influence the world around him to a magnificent degree.’’ Rounding out the program is Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, or A Hero’s Life. In this case the hero is, well, Strauss. He was an enormous talent with an ego to match. The muscular work also is a great showcase for the orchestra. These program notes include music excerpts.Masterworks 8 of the 23/24 SeasonPerformances Feb. 23-25, 2024

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