Olga Kern Returns to Hilton Head for Beethoven’s “Emperor”

Ahead of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s season opener, the acclaimed pianist reflects on Beethoven’s revolutionary final piano concerto, the music she finds most moving and her return to an island that left a lasting impression.

Story by Bailey Gilliam
Photo by Chris Lee

When the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra opens its new season, it will do so with a pianist and a piece made for the occasion. Internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern will join conductor John Morris Russell and the HHSO for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, Oct. 25, performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, better known as the “Emperor” Concerto. The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture.

Born into a family of musicians, Kern began earning international recognition at an early age, winning first prize at the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition at 17. Her American career took off in 2001 when she became the first woman in more than 30 years to win the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Since then she has performed with leading orchestras around the world, built a Grammy-nominated discography and helped guide the next generation of pianists as a teacher and competition juror.

Kern previously visited Hilton Head Island as a juror for the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Ahead of her return, she spoke with LOCAL Life about her memories of the island, Beethoven’s revolutionary ideas and why the “Emperor” is the perfect way to begin a season.

[LOCAL Life] What first brought you to Hilton Head Island?

[Olga Kern] I was on the jury of the piano competition. It is a very well-known competition and always produces fantastic winners, talented pianists who go on to the next level of their careers. When they invited me, I said, “Of course I will come,” because I had heard about its reputation. I had a great time. The level of the jurors and participants was extremely high. I also gave a master class and worked with Jonathan Mamora on a Rachmaninoff sonata. I love that piece so much, and I remember that very well.

[LL] What stands out most from that visit?

[OK] Hilton Head is such a beautiful, special place. I remember the wonderful atmosphere, the talented young pianists and the warmth of the audience, but the island’s natural beauty especially stayed with me. The natural beauty is incredibly inspiring, and I can’t wait to return.

[LL] How did you choose Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto for the season opener?

[OK] We talked about what would be appropriate for the beginning of the season, and we chose Beethoven’s “Emperor.” I love this concerto. I play all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, and I think this majestic piece is perfect for an opening.

[LL] What makes it such a fitting piece for the occasion?

[OK] First of all, it is Beethoven’s last piano concerto, and it is such a grand, monumental piece. The incredible first movement is like a symphony by itself. Then it has one of the most beautiful slow movements. It is written in E-flat major, and it is a triumphal piece, especially the third movement, which is so full of life. Near the very end, the music almost stops. It is just the timpani and piano, and it feels as though the heartbeat is stopping. Then, in one moment, it comes back to life and finishes in a very happy, positive way. It is a philosophical piece because it is his last concerto, but at the same time, there is so much light in this music. Audiences leave feeling happy. It is a wonderful piece to open the season because it puts people in a wonderful mood.

[LL] Why is it called the “Emperor” Concerto?

[OK] Beethoven did not give it that title. There are different opinions about its origin, including connections to Napoleon and the political events of the time. But in my opinion, it has nothing to do with the military or politics. To me, it is called the “Emperor” simply because it is grand and majestic. It is one of those concertos that stands on a pedestal at the highest possible level of genius. It has everything. It is perfect from the first note to the last. It is a masterpiece.

[LL] What should listeners know before hearing it?

[OK] It begins in a very unusual way. During the Classical period, the orchestra traditionally played the introduction before the piano entered. Beethoven experimented with that form. Here the orchestra gives one E-flat major chord, and the piano immediately begins with arpeggios in an almost improvisational way. The piano is present from the very beginning. Only after that does the orchestra begin its introduction. That was revolutionary. Nothing like it had been written before.

[LL] How does Beethoven rethink the relationship between the piano and orchestra?

[OK] The word “concerto” comes from an idea of competition between the soloist and orchestra. Composers treated it almost as though the piano and orchestra were competing, which is why the orchestra often had such a substantial opening. In this concerto, Beethoven blends them together. He does not write a traditional, large solo cadenza. He gives the piano smaller moments here and there, but everything remains connected to the orchestra. It is more symphonic than competitive. The piano and orchestra become almost like one enormous instrument.

[LL] Is there a particular moment you especially love?

[OK] I just wish Beethoven had made the second movement a little longer because there is nothing else like it. There are a few bars near the beginning that never return. They are out-of-this-world heavenly music. I always wonder why he did not bring them back. The concerto may be grand, but it passes so quickly. It was a very modern piece for its time, and it remains fascinating to hear. It is a very special concerto, and I cannot wait to present it to the audience on Hilton Head.

See Olga Kern Perform Beethoven’s “Emperor”

• When: 4 p.m., Oct. 25
• Where: First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island
• Details: John Morris Russell conducts the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra with internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern performing Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor.” The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s passionate “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture.
  Following the performance, guests can continue the season-opening celebration with a prosecco welcome, three-course dinner and live music. hhso.org