Beethoven's Nine Symphonies.

Last night [26th] Sebastian Lang-Lessing conducted the first concert of all of Beethoven's Symphonies. It is an appropriate gesture from the Chief Conductor's final concert series, after  eight years at the helm of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Playing all of Beethoven's Symphonies over ten days would be a challenge to most orchestras and to the best of my knowledge this is the first time it has been attempted in Australia. Beethoven is complex in more ways than one and requires considerable dexterity to play all the symphonies one after the other.I must report that the TSO played the First and Third in a most impressive manner.

The choice of Beethoven's symphonies as his parting gift is all the more pertinent as the Third was first performed in public in1805, one year the establishment of Hobart and the settlement of Van Diemens Land. Beethoven holds a special place not only in many music lovers hearts, but as a commented democrat. His music
there for acts as a bridge between Classical and Romantic music, but also stands as a symbol between the ancien regime and the modern world.

The music transcends emotional high and lows, textures and mood-swings interchange throughout the performance without hesitation. the beautiful variation in tonal contrasts and melody were a delight. Hobart is going to miss Sebastian greatly, as over the years of his stewardship he has lifted the TSO to new heights. This suit of Beethoven's symphonies will long be remembered as a treasured parting gift.