Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: Beethoven and Schubert

In the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, co-founded by pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, musicians from the Middle East play together. Music transcends political, religious, and cultural differences. The press praises the musical excellence and moral expressiveness of the orchestra, which comes to the Main Hall under the direction of its initiator to perform works by two giants: Beethoven's Third and Schubert's Eighth Symphony, the 'Unfinished'. Daniel Barenboim and West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

In addition to his impressive career as a pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim is known for his deep conviction that music can transcend political, religious, and cultural boundaries between people. This led him in 1999 to found the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra together with the Palestinian-American intellectual Edward Said (1935-2003), in which musicians from the Middle East play together. Critics praise the combination of musical excellence and moral significance: here, music is heard that is not only beautiful but also has something to say.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 and Schubert's 'Unvollendete'

Two giants, yet also two polar opposites: Beethoven and Schubert. Beethoven was extroverted and impetuous, Schubert shy. Schubert was known only in a small circle, Beethoven world-famous. Beethoven's Third Symphony was revolutionary immediately upon its premiere. Schubert's Eighth, the 'Unfinished Symphony', was not heard for the first time until 37 years after Schubert's death. The difference between these two symphonies is just as great: in 1822, Schubert wrote an introspective piece, characterized by a somber tranquility; almost twenty years earlier, Beethoven composed a pronounced, revolutionary work in which he paid tribute to Napoleon. A message he quickly retracted, incidentally. Beethoven's Third and Schubert's 'Unfinished Symphony'—the combination brings the listener into ecstasy.