David Grimal, the violinist and artistic director of Les Dissonances, plays a 1710 'Ex-Roederer' Stradivarius violin with a François-Xavier Tourte bow.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schubert, at 25 when he composed the 'Unfinished' Symphony, aimed to blaze new trails and push the boundaries of classical forms, influenced by the 'intimidating shadow of Beethoven'.
Composition History
Beethoven originally dedicated his Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica', to Napoleon Bonaparte, but angrily retracted the dedication upon learning of Napoleon's self-coronation as Emperor.
Critical Reception
At its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony was criticized by some listeners as being too long and muddled, despite its groundbreaking dimensions.
Composition History
Schubert's 'Unfinished' Symphony lay forgotten in a drawer for decades after its composition in 1822, only resurfacing in 1860.
Cultural Impact
David Grimal, the violinist, founded 'L'Autre Saison,' a series of concerts in Paris dedicated to benefiting the homeless.
Interpretation
Les Dissonances, the ensemble on this recording, performs without a conductor, working directly on the musical text and questioning sources to offer a new vision of repertoire works.
