Beethoven's "Eroica"

Every weekend in April you can find me at Abravanel Hall listening to the Utah Symphony!  Tonight's concert began with a delightful piece by Mozart who, as many of you will remember, is my very favorite composer.  The orchestra played Piano Concerto No. 26 (which is known as the "Coronation" Concerto because it was played at the coronation of Leopold II as Holy Roman Emperor) with an amazing soloist named Ronald Brautigam.  He had a long mane of white hair which made him look a bit like a madman but his playing was magnificent.  One of the reasons why I love Mozart so much is because his music is light and beautiful and this concerto is especially playful.  I absolutely loved it.  After the intermission the orchestra played Beethoven's Symphony No. 3.  This piece was originally written in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte but Beethoven became disenchanted with him and crossed out the dedication from the original score.  The symphony has come to be known as "Eroica" (Heroic).  I found it to be incredibly romantic and emotional.  I especially loved the second movement which is a solemn funeral march with a beautiful theme played by cellos.  It was another evening of wonderful music.