Event
Schubert The Great
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Andreas Ottensamer, conductor
Inon Barnatan, piano
Beethoven — Piano Concerto No. 4
Schubert — Symphony in C Major, “The Great”
Schubert’s majestic and innovative Symphony in C Major, known as “The Great,” and Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, one of his most beloved works, headline this program featuring celebrated pianist Inon Barnatan joining the Naples Philharmonic under the baton of conductor and clarinetist Andreas Ottensamer.
Beethoven’s groundbreaking Piano Concerto No. 4, composed in 1805-06, begins unlike any of its predecessors. Instead of the customary extended orchestral introduction, Beethoven opens his Fourth with the soloist playing alone, delicately introducing the main theme. As the movement unfolds, the soloist sprinkles color throughout the orchestral lines, with rhythmic patterns reminiscent of the iconic da-da-da-dah of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The brief second movement turns dark and introspective, a musical dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra, before the final movement arrives, bursting with uplifting energy, strings, trumpets and drums.
Capping the evening is Franz Schubert’s finest orchestral work, Symphony in C Major, known as “The Great,” and the last symphony he completed. Although it is regarded as Schubert’s greatest orchestral composition, its nickname “The Great” was actually coined to distinguish it from his Sixth Symphony, also in C Major and often referred to as the “Little C Major.” Schubert’s “Great” is grander in scale and nearly twice as long, an unusual feat for its time. This monumental work showcases Schubert’s mastery in orchestration and his ability to bend lyrical beauty with structural innovation.
Prelude at 6:30pm
Join the conductor before the performance for an insightful 30-minute prelude discussion about the program.
Music and Museum
All Masterworks tickets include same-day admission to The Baker Museum. Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
Tickets start at $29.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Alvin Ho
Assistant Conductor Meet Alvin
Andreas Ottensamer
Andreas Ottensamer
Andreas Ottensamer has captivated audiences and critics alike with his distinct musicianship and versatility as a clarinetist, artistic director and conductor.
Artistic director of the Bürgenstock Festival in Switzerland and the Artström Festival, Ottensamer recently gave conducting debuts with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Metropolitain Montreal Seoul Philharmonic, Sofia Philharmonic, Basel Chamber Orchestra, Janacek Philharmonic and the Liszt Chamber Orchestra.
In 2022, Ottensamer joined Maestro Riccardo Muti to work on Verdi’s Messa da Requiem as part of his Italian Opera Academy in Ravenna, Italy and in March 2023 he joined Muti for the production of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera at the Tokyo Spring Festival.
Having established his musical career as a clarinet soloist, Ottensamer has performed in major concert halls around the world and has released numerous recordings, including Blue Hour, which earned him his second Opus Klassik award as Instrumentalist of the Year in 2019. His latest album with recital partner José Gallardo is expected to be released soon.
Ottensamer has held the position of principal clarinet with the Berliner Philharmoniker since March 2011.
Inon Barnatan
Inon Barnatan
Described as one of the most admired pianists of his generation, Inon Barnatan has received universal acclaim for his “uncommon sensitivity” (The New Yorker), “impeccable musicality and phrasing” (Le Figaro) and his stature as “a true poet of the keyboard: refined, searching, unfailingly communicative” (The Evening Standard).
Barnatan is equally celebrated as soloist, curator and collaborator. As a soloist, Barnatan is a regular performer with many of the world’s foremost orchestras and conductors, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and many others.
Equally at home as a curator and chamber musician, Barnatan is music director of La Jolla Music Society Summerfest in California. He regularly collaborates with world-class partners such as Renée Fleming.
A recent addition to Barnatan’s acclaimed discography is a two-volume set of Beethoven’s complete piano concertos, recorded with Alan Gilbert and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. In 2021, he released his Time-Traveler Suite album.
