Long Beach Symphony presents Beethoven's Fifth

Edward Cumming, former conductor of the Hartford Symphony, begins the concert with Mendelssohn?s Symphony No. 4 in A minor, commonly known as the Italian Symphony because of its inspiration in the colors and atmosphere of Italy. With its lilting opening theme, Mendelssohn referred to the work as, ?the jolliest piece I have ever done.? Next up is Ferdinand David?s Trombone Concerto from 1837, performed by Long Beach Symphony?s own Alexander Iles. The piece was played all over Europe in the 19th century, but the whole orchestral material was lost after a 1922 performance. Renowned trombonist Christian Lindberg has reconstructed the score from an existing piano reduction of the piece. The finale of the evening, and of the Symphony?s season, features Beethoven?s iconic Symphony No. 5 in C minor, a work whose four note theme is legendary and needs no further explanation.