Two hundred years after it’s première in Vienna, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony will be performed in Farnham in a four-hands piano recital by the famous South African piano duo of Tessa Uys and Ben Schoeman.

This special performance of the piano transcription of the symphony by Franz Xaver Scharwenka has been arranged by TBS Concerts at the Spire Church, Farnham,  at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 3.

In the years before recordings, when CDs, iPods, Spotify, and YouTube were unknown and live concerts the prerogative of the wealthy, piano transcriptions were the means by which ordinary people could hear and enjoy the great orchestral masterworks.

Yet transcriptions are more than a “poor man’s orchestra” as they bring extra clarity to the original composition. Some people even prefer the transcriptions to the orchestral performances.

Tessa and Ben will play two short pieces by Schubert in the first half and then the 70 minute Beethoven transcription in the second half. The whole concert will last approximately two hours with refreshments available in the interval.

The full details and programme can be found at www.tilbach.org.uk or call Sue on 01252 613130. All are welcome and the concert is free entry with a retiring collection where the recommended donation is at least £15. 

Donations are not expected for children and students. Music lovers who are unable to make a donation are still most welcome.  

If you plan to attend register via the website, although this is not essential.