TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese jazz pianist Makoto Ozone is set to bring his signature improvisational flair to Ludwig van Beethoven in Taipei on Sunday.
A fresh interpretation of the classic “Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19” is anticipated, featuring Ozone and the National Symphony Orchestra. Taiwanese conductor Wu Yao-yu (吳曜宇) will lead the performance.
The concerto, composed when Beethoven was still establishing his voice, is known for its wit, elegance, and striking contrasts. Ozone said he looks forward to bringing his jazz sensibilities to Beethoven’s work, exploring new possibilities within its framework.
Wu welcomed the collaboration, noting that a jazz pianist interpreting Beethoven opens up fresh creative possibilities. He described each piece as a journey, believing that by the end of the concert, the audience will feel the music's unity and continuity.
Beethoven's “Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19” begins with striking contrasts in rhythm and melody, as the piano introduces the main theme with an expressive, free-flowing touch. The subsequent movements feature a chorale-like orchestral theme with crisp piano responses, and culminate in a lively rondo with witty exchanges between soloist and orchestra.
The program will also feature a diverse selection of works, beginning with the premiere of Wen Hung-kai’s (溫泓凱) “Crash! Crash? Crash!” part of NSO’s One-minute Symphony Project. The initiative, a collaboration between TSMC, the NSO, and Taipei National University of the Arts, invites student composers to create a one-minute orchestral composition, which is then performed by the NSO.
Also included in the first half are John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” a vibrant and pulse-driven orchestral work, and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “The Little Train of the Caipira,” which depicts a steam train journey through the Brazilian countryside.
In the second half, the orchestra will perform Schubert’s “The Great,” a monumental symphony that captures the spirit of an expansive journey. Its rhythmic drive and folk influences provide a fitting counterpart to Adams’ modern minimalism and Beethoven’s classical elegance.
With Ozone’s innovative interpretation of Beethoven and a program rich in diverse musical landscapes, Sunday’s concert promises an evening of artistic exploration and cross-genre creativity.
