Igudesman & Joo play Beethoven
That’s it. That’s the whole premise of this show. Some people do not like Beethoven. Some people are dense and do not realise how funny Beethoven is. Fortunately for those people, Igudesman & Joo are here to help (at least, with Beethoven’s humor. There’s nothing they can do about your taste).
Taking their cue from Franz Clement and Yehudi Menuhin, Igudesman & Joo will speak to the audience between movements upside down. And yes, there is evidence to support this strange performance practice: Franz Clement, the violinist who gave the world premiere of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto showed off between movements by playing his violin upside down. Then, Yehudi Menuhin, Igudesman’s and Joo’s mentor, conducted Beethoven with the Berlin Philharmonic while doing a headstand. If this isn’t enough to convince those of you worried about historically informed performances, we’re not sure what could be!
What will they speak about? Well, wouldn’t you like to hear—no offense, Ludwig. Why did Beethoven dunk his head in cold water every day, you ask? Why did he love to throw soup around? Was his favorite fruit really “Ba-na-na-naaaaa”? If you didn’t understand those questions, especially that last one, you definitely need to come see this show.
The program will include Sonatas for Piano and Violin by Ludwig van Beethoven: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. We’ll stop at number 10, not because we want to but because we have to. Even Beethoven stopped at 10. . . Because he died. . .
Program will also include a very unique transcription of a Piano and Violin Sonata, for when the pianist forgets to show up, and, of course, variations on Beethoven’s greatest masterpiece, his finest work, his magnus opus: “Für Elise.”
This show is created in honour of the 250th Anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Come see this exclusive show in 2020, before it’s too late and the occasion ends! Otherwise you’ll just have to see it in 2021, and where’s the fun in that?
What others say
“Having had the great pleasure to have shared a stage with my friends Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo, I can tell you that even from up-close they are the real thing.They are extremely funny, very original, and highly-skilled musicians to boot. Their mix of classical music and comedy is absolutely unique”.
“The funniest show on music and the life of musicians I have seen since the great Victor Borge. I couldnt stop crying of laughter for the whole evening. Go see these gifted musicians. What they show is life at its funniest side. It isn’t just entertaining, it is hilarious! “
“Their blend of classical music and comedy, laced with pop culture references and a wholly novel take on the word slapstick, is fueled by genuine, dazzling virtuosity.”