JÖRG WIDMANN | Con brio | Jörg Widmann, Conductor | Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Watch the Detroit Symphony Orchestra perform Jörg Widmann's Con brio, a vibrant contemporary orchestral work inspired by the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Combining modern orchestral techniques with unmistakable allusions to Beethoven, Con brio explores the energy, drama, and "fury and insistence" of the great German symphonic tradition. ABOUT THE PIECE Jörg Widmann's Con brio is a work of homage to Ludwig van Beethoven, but it is neither a parody nor a direct quotation of Beethoven's music. Instead, Widmann uses brief allusions to Beethoven's symphonies, particularly the Seventh and Eighth Symphonies, while transforming their musical ideas through his own contemporary style. The work was commissioned to open a concert featuring Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8 and uses essentially the same orchestral forces as those works. The title Con brio, meaning "with vigor" or "with spirit," comes from the markings of the final movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and the first movement of his Eighth. Widmann's music is characterized by sudden changes, bold contrasts, and what his publisher describes as "block-composition." Rather than relying on smooth transitions, musical ideas can appear abruptly and disappear just as quickly. Throughout the piece, individual sounds, chords, rhythms, and melodic gestures emerge from the orchestral texture, creating fleeting references to Beethoven. Widmann has said his goal was to create a sense of "fury and insistence" reminiscent of Beethoven. The score also calls for unusual instrumental techniques, including flutter-tonguing, unconventional bowing, and controlled breathing effects, placing these contemporary sounds alongside Beethoven-inspired chords and gestures. ABOUT THE COMPOSER Jörg Widmann is one of today's most acclaimed German composers, as well as an accomplished clarinetist, conductor, and educator. He studied clarinet at the Hochschule für Musik in Munich and the Juilliard School and has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world. As a composer, Widmann's music draws on the great traditions of German music while embracing contemporary techniques and sounds. His extensive catalog includes orchestral works, concertos, chamber music, string quartets, operas, and music theater. Widmann studied composition with composers including Wolfgang Rihm, Hans Werner Henze, and Heiner Goebbels. His work has received numerous international honors, and he has served as composer-in-residence with major orchestras and festivals including the Cleveland Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Salzburg Festival, and Vienna Konzerthaus. Recorded live in Orchestra Hall on March 21, 2026 with Jörg Widmann conducting his own work. 🎵 Discover Classical Music with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 🎵 Welcome to the official YouTube channel of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Whether you’re a classical music fan looking for world premieres and symphonic masterpieces or are searching for an inspiring background soundtrack for relaxing, studying, working, or sleeping, the DSO has you covered. Located in Midtown Detroit, historic Orchestra Hall has been the eminent music venue of Southeast Michigan for over a century, hosting top artists, living composers, and diverse orchestral voices from around the world. Get tickets to join us in person or catch the riveting live stream for free at dso.org. Stay in tune with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Visit our Website and explore events: dso.org Follow us on Instagram: @detroitsymphony Connect on Facebook: @detroitsymphony Join us on Tik Tok: @detroitsymphony 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications to be the first to experience our new releases. #DSO #DetroitSymphonyOrchestra #IAMDSO #ClassicalMusic Thank you for being a part of our musical journey. Like, comment, and share the magic!