Photo : Conservatoire Nadia et Lili Boulanger - crée avec l'aide de Microsoft IA (Copilot)
Beethoven Transcribed
How can the full power of an orchestra resonate on a single instrument? This recital explores the art of transcription through excerpts of Beethoven's symphonies performed on piano four and eight hands. A musical experience that reveals the richness and modernity of his writing in a new light.
Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger (Paris 9th)
Part of the Nadia and Lili Boulanger Conservatory Events programme
About
Beyond its musical and technical possibilities, the clarinet possesses a rich history, intimately linked to the evolution of repertoires and musical styles.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the death of Ludwig van Beethoven, the piano classes present a recital dedicated to one of the most iconic composers in the history of music. Through transcriptions for piano, the students invite you to rediscover his work from an original and unexpected perspective.
The program includes excerpts from symphonies transcribed for piano four and eight hands. These arrangements allow one to rediscover, through the medium of the piano, the great melodic lines, the contrasts, and the energy of the orchestral writing.
The transition from orchestra to piano naturally transforms the listening experience: the sections draw closer, the different voices intertwine, and each performer becomes an integral part of a musical ensemble. Working with multiple hands thus offers students a particularly rich experience in listening, coordination, and collective construction.
These transcriptions also testify to the importance of the piano in the dissemination of Beethoven's music. Before the era of recordings, they allowed people to discover and practice great orchestral works in a more intimate setting.
Coordination: Yumeto Suenaga & Maxime Sauze
Our take on this event
Forget everything you know about Beethoven and experience his monumental symphonies through the unique intimacy of the piano. Multiple pianists join forces to masterfully recreate orchestral grandeur, turning a classic concert into a truly collaborative performance.
The Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger presents an evening dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven on Tuesday, January 26, 2027. Marking the 200th anniversary of the composer's death, piano students offer a unique audition featuring transcriptions for four-hand and eight-hand piano. This free event invites attendees to experience famous symphonic works through a fresh perspective, exploring the structural energy and melodies translated for the keyboard. Coordinated by Yumeto Suenaga and Maxime Sauze, the performance takes place in the 9th arrondissement, showcasing the collaborative skills and technical growth of the conservatory's performers in an intimate setting.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's passing, the Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger hosts a special recital on January 26, 2027. From 19:00 to 20:30, students from the piano department perform a selection of symphonic excerpts transcribed specifically for four-hand and eight-hand piano ensembles.
These arrangements demonstrate how complex orchestral textures, dynamics, and melodic lines can be adapted for the piano. By moving away from the full orchestra, the performers highlight the intimacy of Beethoven's compositions while emphasizing the collective effort required for such a performance. This approach reflects historical practices where transcriptions served as the primary means to study and enjoy large-scale orchestral works at home.
Under the guidance of coordinators Yumeto Suenaga and Maxime Sauze, the students explore the nuances of coordination and ensemble listening. The event is free of charge and offers an insightful look into the piano's historical role as a vessel for spreading the music of Beethoven.
