Beethoven Lives Upstairs
The world famous production of Beethoven Lives Upstairs features a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle. Their subject: the “madman” who has moved into the upstairs apartment of Christoph’s Vienna home. Through a touching correspondence, dramatically underscored with the composer’s most beautiful excerpts, Christoph slowly comes to understand the genius of Beethoven and the beauty of his music.
Audiences are captivated by more than twenty-five excerpts of Beethoven’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life. Presenting history, drama, music, and fun, this engaging concert is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series.
The original audio recording of Beethoven Lives Upstairs claims dozens of top music, educational, and parenting awards. It has gone multi-platinum, been translated and distributed around the world, and made into an Emmy award-winning film. Based on this highly acclaimed recording, the Beethoven Lives Upstairs theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Ludwig Van Beethoven in a live performance venue.
The performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.
Synopsis
The funereal second movement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony sets the scene as we travel back in time from March 26, 1827, the day of Beethoven’s death, into the more intimate setting of young Christoph’s house in Vienna a few years before. Christoph’s father has just died, and his mother has rented out the spare room upstairs to Ludwig van Beethoven. The aging composer proves to be a less than ideal house guest, stomping up and down the stairs at all hours of the night, tracking mud through the halls, and even pouring buckets of water over his head! Shocked by Mr. Beethoven’s bad behavior, Christoph writes letters to his uncle who is studying music in Salzburg complaining about the composer’s peculiar habits. Christoph’s uncle assures him that although Mr. Beethoven may seem outwardly gruff and strange, there are reasons behind his behavior. As Christoph spends more time with Mr. Beethoven, he learns about Ludwig’s own unhappy childhood, his fear of losing his hearing, and his supernatural musical abilities.
Music Excerpts
Für Elise
Leonore Overture No. 3
Minuet in G Major
Mozart Variations
Nel Cor Più
Orchestral Polonaise
Pathétique
Piano Concerto No. 1
Piano Concerto No. 5
Piano Sonata
Piano Sonata in E Major
Rage Over a Lost Penny
Romance for Violin & Orchestra in G Major
Shepherd’s Song
Sonata, Op. 14, No. 2
Sonata, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
Spring Sonata
Symphony No. 1, Mvmt. IV
Symphony No. 4, Mvmt. II
Symphony No. 5, Mvmt. I
Symphony No. 6, Mvmt. I
Symphony No. 6 (Birds)
Symphony No. 6 (Storm)
Symphony No. 6 (Tremolo)
Symphony No. 7, Mvmt. II
Symphony No. 8, Mvmt. II
Symphony No. 9, Mvmt. II
Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy)
Symphony No. 9 (Finale)
Instrumentation
Minimum String count 6.6.5.4.3
2.2.2.2—2.2.2.0—tmp—2per—pf—str
Reference Script
Conductor’s Score
STRINGS
Violin I (6 books)
Violin II (6 books)
Viola (5 books)
Cello (4 books)
Bass (3 books)
WOODWINDS
Flute I & II/ [Piccolo] (1 book each)
Oboe I & II 1 (1 book each)
Clarinet I & II (1 book each)
Bassoon I & II (1 book each)
BRASS
Horn I & II (1 book each)
Trumpet I & II (1 book each)
Trombone I & II (1 book each)
PERCUSSION
Percussion (2 books + 1 extra)
Timpani (1 book)
Piano (1 book)
This production requires featured instrumentalists. The performance assumes a seamless performance, largely unbroken by applause or “soloist” appearances; therefore, we suggest that these players come from within the orchestra:
VIOLIN:
Romance for Violin and Orchestra in G Major
Spring Sonata
PIANO:
Piano Concerto No. 1
Piano Concerto No. 5
(see excerpt list for sonatas)
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we will ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
A Conductor Score and Musician’s Parts are supplied at least 3 weeks prior to the performance. Included in the shipment are 43 books plus 1 conductor score and 1 reference script.
PHOTO GALLERY
WATCH & LISTEN
VIDEO
AUDIO
Beethoven Lives Upstairs Educational Material
BOOKING HISTORY
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