Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica"
1:08 - I. Allegro con brio
18:30 - II. Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
35:08 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
41:06 - IV. Finale. Allegro molto
Aaron Kim, conductor
Blair Chamber Symphony
Turner Hall, Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music
Performed on April 19, 2026
Copyright Vanderbilt University
I have chosen Eroica as the title of my novel which tells the story about a couple who were able to escape during which Berlin wall was still standing. Get the novel and enjoy reading it...
Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 e-minor (Olga Scheps live)
Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 (composed in 1830), is a 20-year-old virtuoso’s deeply romantic "farewell" to Poland, inspired by his love for soprano Konstancja Gładkowska. Written just before leaving Warsaw permanently, it blends youthful passion, Polish folk rhythms (Krakowiak), and nostalgic dreams of a "moonlit spring night"
A "Farewell" Work: Although technically composed second, it was published first, hence "No. 1." Chopin premiered it himself on October 11, 1830, in Warsaw as a grand finale before leaving to pursue a career in Europe, never to return home.
A Romantic Idol: Chopin wrote to his friend Tytus Woyciechowski that the Larghetto (second movement) was dedicated to his admiration for soprano Konstancja Gładkowska. He described it as a "musical depiction" of a "beloved landscape" in a "fine, moonlit spring night".
Polish Spirit & Influence: The Rondo finale is filled with the lively rhythm of the Krakowiak, a Polish dance, reflecting his pride in his culture. The structure was heavily influenced by contemporaries Johann Nepomuk Hum, and it was dedicated to Friedrich Kalkbrenner, a pianist Chopin admired.
A Passionate Display: The concerto is a showcase of "Chopinesque" style—dazzling, fast-running piano passages, tender melodies, and emotional depth, reflecting a "tender, fiery, and achingly nostalgic" mood.
The tragic true story behind Schubert’s masterpiece, "Serenade" (Ständchen)—and why it's the saddest 3 minutes in music history. And finally, I perform the Serenade in full.
Why is this famous waltz so deeply misunderstood? In this video, I explore what makes Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 one of the most haunting and deceptive melodies ever written — how a tune that sounds cheerful on the surface can hide so much tension, irony, and “smiling through tears” underneath. And finally, I perform the waltz in full on the cello.
Original video: • D. Shostakovich: Waltz No. 2 - Jazz Suite💃...
This is the evolution of Chopin's music from his birth in 1810 to 1849. It includes pieces from when he was 7 years old, his last music from 1849, and new Chopin music that was released in 2024.
