Imagine if Beethoven…
…woke up from his cryogenic tomb only to “hear” what people are doing to his music today… would he just wish to be dead again? Igudesman & Joo tackle this question with their signature mischief and fun, reinventing and recomposing the musical genius of the great mastermind Beethoven.
At Beethoven Dot Com, we offer a wide variety of products to suit the needs of every client. It’s shopping–and Beethoven–rediscovered. This season’s hottest line features:
“Beethoven’s Nightmare”- You’ve heard about the seven circles of Hell, but what about the seven circles of Beethoven? Let Igudesman & Joo guide you as you descend through the composer’s haunting nightmares and multi-layered personality, not to mention witness a stylish choleric outbreak or two.
“Joyful Variations”- An electrifying set of variations for symphony orchestra and soloists on themes from the ninth Symphony. Each variation is treated with a national flair and cultural pizzazz from nine different countries, taking one on a musical kaleidoscopic journey that goes around the globe from Bonn to the USA and back.
“Beethoven Takes Five”- Beethoven’s most famous four-note motif and turned it into a five- beat measure in this riotously fun piece. Funky rhythms and grooves are combined with the melodies of Beethoven to create the perfect pairing.
“They Call me Ludwig”- A humorous song from the perspective of the composer about how miserable his life is and how he never gets to have any fun. And, hey, don’t forget that those bags under his eyes are designer.
“For a Lease”- Arguably the most “cheesy” work by Ludwig Van “Für Elise” undertakes a makeover and is transformed to a quirky, yet ethereal and utterly original work.
In the true spirit of authenticity, as when Franz Clemens would perform tricks with his violin in between movements of the Beethoven Violin Concerto, Igudesman & Joo too will intersperse musical sketch comedy during the performance using Beethoven’s music. This will include some old favourites such as “Credit Card,” and new opuses such as “Beethoven World Record,” and “Für Elise Forever” from their duo show, “And Now Beethoven”.
Igudesman & Joo’s celebration of Beethoven’s Anniversary will be the hottest ticket in town. Expect the unexpected and brace yourself for an unforgettable night.
What others say
“What makes the slapstick duo so original is not that they turn classical music culture upside-down and inside out, but that they never mess with the music itself, treating that with not just respect, but with astonishing virtuosity.”
“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”.
Prior to our thanksgiving concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Manfred Honeck and the dynamic duo Igudesman and Joo, there was much scepticism within the organization as to how the orchestra and audience would react. However, our minds were put at ease the minute they arrived! They were incredibly professional, obviously very talented, and provided a breath of fresh air for the orchestra and PSO staff. It was such a joy to have them with us, and we received such great feedback from our patrons and the musicians that we immediately reinvited them to join us for a special concert with the orchestra the following year!