CSO’s Klaus Mäkelä and Pianist Yunchan Lim Impress Beyond Beethoven
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently captivated its audience with a concert featuring renowned pianist Yunchan Lim and music director Klaus Mäkelä. This event, part of a three-concert series, showcased a variety of works inspired by Ludwig van Beethoven, coupled with the virtuosity of Lim, a rising star in the classical music scene.
Concert Highlights
- Date: A Thursday evening performance
- Location: Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Featured Artist: Yunchan Lim, 21-year-old pianist
- Highlight Piece: Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54
- Conductor: Klaus Mäkelä
This concert was significant for Lim, who gained fame after winning the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The evening was a celebration of music that linked the past and present through Beethoven’s influence.
Yunchan Lim’s Performance
Lim’s interpretation of Schumann’s concerto was particularly noteworthy. He balanced power and subtlety, enhancing the piece’s emotional depth. His playing showcased a lively and insightful interpretation, especially during the serene moments of the opening movement. Accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lim’s performance maintained its freshness, even in a frequently played work.
Klaus Mäkelä’s Direction
Klaus Mäkelä, who is set to begin his full tenure as music director in September 2027, demonstrated his adeptness in programming with pieces connected to Beethoven. His approach featured a thoughtful selection that linked various compositions, leading to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 as a grand finale.
Beethoven’s Influence
- Schumann’s concerto echoes themes from Beethoven’s opera “Fidelio.”
- The concert included two contemporary works that reference Beethoven:
- Unsuk Chin’s “subito con forza,” inspired by Beethoven’s dramatic contrasts.
- Jörg Widmann’s “Con brio,” a modern piece with Beethoven-like motifs.
These modern works set the stage before the orchestra performed the classic symphony. Chin’s piece was filled with dramatic contrasts, while Widmann’s composition featured inventive sound effects, highlighting the woodwinds and percussion.
A Memorable Evening
Mäkelä’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony was invigorating. His direction infused the performance with dynamic energy and clarity, making it a standout highlight of the evening. Overall, the concert was a successful blending of classic and contemporary, leaving audiences eager for more.
As Yunchan Lim continues to rise in his career, and Klaus Mäkelä takes the helm of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, their collaboration promises a bright future for classical music in Chicago.
